Phlegmariurus varius

Lycopodiaceae

Phlegmariurus varius (R.Br.) A.R.Field & Bostock

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/242314

Long Clubmoss

Terrestrial or lithophytic plants, rarely epiphytic. Branches tufted, erect, suberect or drooping distally, branched 1–many times, 8–35 cm long. Leaves spirally arranged, spreading, angled at 60–90° to axis, linear-lanceolate, acute to subacute, 9–18 mm long, 1–3 mm wide, deep green to yellowish green; texture and thickness variable; margins entire, often thickened. Transition from sterile to sporogenous zone gradual or abrupt. Sporogenous zone 4–18 cm long, usually 3.5–4.5 mm diam. Sporophylls variable; linear-lanceolate, spreading, shorter than sterile leaves, to 10 mm long, smaller towards apex; or ovate-triangular, keeled, in 4 rows, imbricate, appressed, 2–2.5 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide. Sporangia occupying one-tenth to the entire length of the sporophyll.

In NE QLD known only from Eungella. Also in SE QLD, NSW, Vic, Tas and NZ.

Best cultivated in a hanging container of coarse free draining mix in a cool temperate fernery. This species is difficult to grow in the tropics.