About Selaginella cinerascens A.A.Eaton
Taxonomy and Naming
Selaginella cinerascens A.A.Eaton is a species of spikemoss with the common names mesa spikemoss, gray spikemoss, and ashy spikemoss.
Distribution
It is native to Baja California, and also grows in several locations just north of the international border in San Diego County, California.
Habitat
It grows in dry habitats, most often on clay soil, and can be found in both open areas and in shaded spots beneath larger plants.
Growth Form
This lycophyte grows as mats of spreading, forking stems that reach up to 18 centimeters in length.
General Coloration
The plant is often gray or brown in color, forming a dull-colored carpet over its growing substrate.
Leaf Morphology
Its leaves are linear or lance-shaped, measure 1 to 3 millimeters long, and have no bristles at their tips.
Leaf Color Variation
New or moist leaves of this species are green.
Leaf Arrangement
The leaves are either flattened against the stem, or extend out only a small distance from the stem.
Strobilus Characteristics
The strobili produced at the leaf bases are yellow, and grow to no more than 4 to 5 millimeters long.
