Selaginella arbuscula
Selaginellaceae or Spikemoss family
Synonyms: Lycopodium arbuscula, Lycopodium arbusculum, Lycopodium menziesii, Lycopodium pennigerum, Selaginella bishopiana, Selaginella browneana, Selaginella flabellata, Selaginella jonesii, Selaginella menziesii, Selaginella parvula, Selaginella springii
Lepelepeamoa
Lelelepe a moa
Branched spikemoss, Dwarf spikemoss
Natural Range & Environment
Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (all the main islands except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe); Marquesas Islands (Nuku Hiva, Ua Huka, Ua Pou, Hiva ʻOa, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva); Society Islands; Ualan; and Vanikoro (Santa Cruz Island) [Vernon & Ranker 2013]. In Hawaiʻi, it is commonly found in shaded soil, rocks (a lithophyte), and cliffs in mesic to wet areas from over 325 to about 3935 feet. It rarely grows as an epiphyte [Valier 1995].
Lepelepeamoa growing with other native plants in a fern garden with hāpuʻu, ʻukiʻuki and other natives, as well as in a pot with the native Palai nui or Limpleaf fern (Microlepia speluncae) and with ʻalaʻala wai nui kāne (Peperomia tetraphylla).
Description
Lepelepeamoa are medium-sized, terrestrial plants that have flattened to firm leaves that spread out laterally. The scale-like leaves on branching stems from which roots also arise.
Growth Requirements
General
This exquisite and distinctive fern-like plant, known as Lelelepeamoa, is a fantastic choice for shaded areas in landscapes that are moderate to very wet. Lelelepeamoa can spread up to 4 feet per plant, often growing together to create a loose to dense mat of vibrant green foliage. The leaves of this plant are flat to firm and spread laterally.
For optimal growth, Lelelepeamoa thrives in shaded to bright locations, but it does not fare well in full sun, particularly when exposed to the harsh afternoon sun. This plant requires ample moisture to maintain its growth and vigor, as it is not drought-tolerant. Without sufficient water, the leaves of Lelelepeamoa will brown, wither and die to the ground.
Propagation of Lelelepeamoa is simple, and it readily spreads to new areas by gently rubbing the leaves over a planting area. The fallen material will develop roots if kept moist. This plant is easy to care for and a delightful addition to any shaded, moist to wet landscape.
Pests and Diseases
Lelelepeamoa may occasionally become infested by scale insects. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments.
Uses
Ancient Hawaiian
No use by ancient Hawaiians is known.
Modern
Lelelepeamoa are used with roses in lei work [Valier 1995].
Special Features and Information
General
The genus Selaginella is a part of the Spikemoss family (Selaginellaceae), which consists of over 750 known species worldwide. In addition to the indigenous Selaginella arbuscula, there is an endemic species found in the Hawaiian Islands called Selaginella delfexa, which can be found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Three other species, not native to the islands, have also become naturalized, with two of them being localized in the ʻAkaka Falls State Park on Hawaiʻi Island.
One particularly intriguing member of the spikemoss family is the Rose of Jericho, also known as the Resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla). This plant, native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico and the USA, has the remarkable ability to survive in extremely dry conditions by shriveling up into a ball of what appears to be dead brown plant material. When water is added, the plant miraculously revives, or resurrects, back to lush greenery. This unique adaptation allows the plant to thrive in harsh environments.
Hawaiian Name
Lelelepeamoa means "comb like that of a chicken" in resemblance to a chicken's comb.
Etymology
The generic name Selaginella is from the Latin selago, an ancient name for some species of Lycopodium, or club mosses [Gledhill 2008]. The specific epithet arbuscula is from the Latin meaning "diminutive tree," alluding to the plant resembling a small tree or bush [Gledhill 2008].
DWE