Lycopodium clavatum

bonsai

Lycopodium clavatum (also known as the club moss) is a creeping, evergreen fern (perennial) belonging to the genus Lycopodium in the family Lycopodiaceae, found in temperate to tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
It is a spore-forming vascular plant whose ancestors first appeared 420 million years ago.
The stems consist of a main stem and lateral branches.

The main stem is a creeping stem that grows along the ground, sending out roots at intervals to anchor itself to the soil. It branches irregularly and spreads horizontally for about 1–2 meters.

Lateral branches are stems that rise from the main stem, reaching a height of 20–25 cm, with small leaves densely clustered around the stem.
They are responsible for photosynthesis and reproduction. Lateral branches are thinner than the main stem.
In summer, the tips of the lateral branches branch further, producing several cylindrical “spore-bearing spikes” resembling horsetails, ranging from 2 to 10 cm in length.

The Whisper of the Shade Vine

I am the Shade Vine.
I crawl across the ground, cling to rocks,
and eventually rise up.
Even when exposed to the dry wind,
my waxy skin protects the light and life within.
From Genesis of All Things, Chapter 15（Japanese language only）

Common name: Shade-loving clubmoss (Hikagenokazura),
Scientific name: Lycopodium clavatum
Also known as: Common clubmoss, Stag's-horn clubmoss, Stone pine spores (spores)
Distribution: Temperate to tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere;
Distribution in Japan: Hokkaido to Kyushu; Habitat: Forest roads in mountainous and wild areas, etc.,
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Division Lycopodiophyta, Class Lycopodiopsida, Order Lycopodiales,
Family Lycopodiaceae, Genus Lycopodium, Species Lycopodium clavatum,
Life Form: Creeping evergreen fern,
Stem length: 20–25 cm, Stem color: Pale green, Stem: Main stem and lateral branches,
Leaf shape: Numerous needle-like leaflets, scale-like, Leaf arrangement: Spiral, Leaf length: 0.5 cm, Leaf width: 0.1 cm,
Spore season: Summer, Sporangium spike length: 5–15 cm, Antheridium spike length: 2–10 cm, Sporangium spike shape: Cylindrical, Sporangium spike color: Pale green
Uses: Dried flowers, art materials, culinary decoration, diuretic.
Illustration: Copilot

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