Selaginella longipinna

Selaginellaceae

Selaginella longipinna Warb.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/76114

Stems c. 15–40 cm tall, erect, unbranched below except for occasional sobols at base; branch system in upper half of stem oblong-ovate. Leaves on the main stem to a little below the branches, ±homophyllous, appressed, c. 2–4 mm long, similar to median leaves. Median leaves ovate, nearly equal-sided, c. 0.5–2 mm long; margins denticulate; apex acuminate-acute. Lateral leaves slightly overlapping, oblong to narrowly ovate-falcate, asymmetrical, c. 2.5–4 mm long; basiscopic base truncate; acroscopic base rounded; upper margin minutely toothed, especially towards the base; lower margin straight, entire; apex acute. Strobili c. 1–several cm long; often entirely of 1.5–2 mm long, keeled, ovate, long-acuminate microsporophylls, with denticulate margins; megasporophylls to 2.5 mm long, at base of strobilus or throughout. Megaspores c. 250 µm diam. with low, reticulate ridges. Microspores 15–20 µm diam., rugose. 

Endemic to NE QLD between Daintree and Mission Beach region.

Terrestrial in rainforest and alluvial soils in closed forest.

Slow to propagate and establish but grows well in a container of free draining moist mix in a shaded part of the tropical garden or fernery.