Selaginellaceae
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Spikemoss family
Selaginellaceae
γ€γ―γγη§
Belonging to the lycopsids (Lycopodiopsida), this is the only extant lycophyte family to have acquired heterospory. About 750 species are distributed mainly in the tropics, with several species growing in Japan. Some species are desiccation-tolerant, known as 'resurrection plants.'
Key Characteristics
- βHeterosporous (two types: megaspores and microspores)
- βLeaves arranged in 4 ranks (dorsiventral)
- βStems possess a ligule (small tongue-like appendage)
- βMegasporangia and microsporangia coexist within the strobilus
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Lycophyta > Lycopodiopsida > Selaginellales > Selaginellaceae
Divergence Era
Carboniferous (approx. 350 million years ago onward)
Representative Genera
γ€γ―γγε±οΌSelaginellaοΌ
Related Evolution Events
- γ»Acquisition of heterospory (differentiation into megaspores and microspores)
- γ»Development of megaspore protection mechanisms resembling ancestral traits of seed plants
Plants in Spikemoss family on this site
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