Plant · GBIF taxon 3710086
Sellow's Spike-moss
Selaginella sellowiiAlso known as Sellow's Spikemoss
Sellow's spike-moss forms low, creeping carpets across sun-exposed granite outcrops and rocky crevices in South America. During dry periods, its delicate, moss-like foliage curls tightly into brown tufts, reviving into vibrant green carpets within hours of rain. As an ancient lycophyte, it reproduces via spores borne on slender terminal cones rather than setting seeds or flowers.
Resurrection PlantMat-formingSpores
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Gastropods
- Herbivorous Insects
ThreatsHabitat destruction, quarrying, trampling
HabitatsRocky outcrops, granite slopes, exposed thin soils
Life spanPerennial
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySelaginellaceae
- SpeciesSelaginella sellowii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Rock Habitats: Scan sunny granite ledges and shallow soil pockets where few other plants survive.
- Hydration Changes: Watch how browned, curled stems unfurl and turn green after rainfall.
- Macro Detail: Use a magnifying loupe to observe the tiny, scale-like leaves and sporophylls.
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