| Lycopodium clavatum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Lycophytes |
| Class: | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order: | Lycopodiales |
| Family: | Lycopodiaceae |
| Genus: | Lycopodium |
| Species: | L. clavatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Lycopodium clavatum | |
| Synonyms [1] [2] | |
Synonymy
| |
Lycopodium clavatum (common club moss, [3] [4] stag's-horn clubmoss, [5] running clubmoss, [6] or ground pine [7] ) is the most widespread species in the genus Lycopodium in the clubmoss family.
Lycopodium clavatum is a spore-bearing vascular plant, growing mainly prostrate along the ground with stems up to 1 m (39 in) long; the stems are much branched, and densely clothed with small, spirally arranged microphyll leaves. The leaves are 3–5 mm long and 0.7–1 mm broad, tapered to a fine hair-like white point. The branches bearing strobili or spore cones turn erect, reaching 5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) above ground, and their leaves are modified as sporophylls that enclose the spore capsules or sporangia. The spore cones are yellow-green, 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) long, and 5 mm (0.20 in) broad. The horizontal stems produce roots at frequent intervals along their length, allowing the stem to grow indefinitely along the ground. The stems superficially resemble small seedlings of coniferous trees, though it is not related to these.
Lycopodium clavatum has a widespread distribution across several continents. [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] There are distinct subspecies and varieties in different parts of its range:
Although globally widespread, like many clubmosses, it is confined to undisturbed sites, disappearing from farmed areas and sites with regular burning. As a result, it is endangered in many areas. In the UK it is one of 101 species named as a high priority for conservation by the wild plant charity Plantlife.
Common names for this species include wolf's-foot clubmoss, common clubmoss, wolf-paw clubmoss, running ground-pine, running pine, [7] running moss, princess pine, and others.
The dried spores of this moss are explosive if present at high density in air. They were used as flash powder in early photography and are still used in magic acts. See lycopodium powder.
The plant has been used in Finnish traditional medicine as a diuretic and as a remedy for rickets. [14]
Bioactive secondary metabolites in clubmosses include triterpenoids with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor activity isolated from this species. [15]
