Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.

Taxon Identity

Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron. has unique morphological traits that are characteristic of lycophytes.

Leaf and Branching Morphology

This species has microphylls, which are small leaves that each have one single unbranched vein, and it grows with dichotomous branching patterns.

Vascular and Root Structure

Its vascular system is made up of protosteles, and its roots grow from specialized structures called rhizophores.

Evolutionary Lineage

All these features show that it belongs to an ancient lineage of vascular plants.

Native Range

Selaginella moellendorffii is native to subtropical Asia, where it grows on moist, shaded forest floors.

Habitat Specificity

It is commonly found in low-elevation broadleaf forests, including broadleaf forests in Taiwan.

Desiccation Tolerance

This species has moderate desiccation tolerance, which lets it survive in environments with changing conditions.

Reproductive Trait: Heterospory

S. moellendorffii is heterosporous, meaning it produces two distinct types of spores: megaspores and microspores.

Gametophyte Development

These spores go on to develop separate female and male gametophytes, a trait that sets this species apart from homosporous plant species.

Evolutionary Significance of Heterospory

Heterospory is considered an important evolutionary advancement that contributed to the diversification of reproductive strategies in vascular plants.