plant · GBIF taxon 7329831
Club Moss
Selaginella erythropusAlso known as Ruby Red Spikemoss, Red Clubmoss, Red-Stemmed Spikemoss
Ruby red spikemoss carpets damp tropical forest floors with its striking, bi-colored foliage. The upper surfaces of its delicate, fern-like fronds capture filtered sunlight in deep green, while the undersides flash a brilliant ruby red to maximize light absorption in the dim understory. These ancient lycophytes thrive in high-humidity microclimates, reproducing via microscopic spores rather than seeds or flowers.
Shade-lovingColorfulSpore-bearing
Licensed referenceAlorin / CC0 · cc0
- diet
- Photosynthetic (water, sunlight, and soil nutrients)
- family
- Selaginellaceae
- threats
- Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, climate change
- life Span
- Perennial (many years under stable conditions)
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Frond Inspection: Gently lift a branch to marvel at the contrasting ruby-red underside.
- Habitat Spotting: Search for this plant in deeply shaded, dripping wet ravines and riverbanks.