Scientific name: Selaginella tamariscina
Common names: Resurrection plant, Longevity grass
Family: Selaginellaceae (a family of ferns)
This plant has a strong, upright main stem that typically grows up to 25 cm in height. The upper branchlets form a rosette-like structure, with slender roots emerging from the nodes. These roots tend to cluster together, providing stability. The leaves are small and arranged in four rows—two lateral rows, known as ventral leaves, which are usually larger and broader, and two medial rows, called dorsal leaves, which are smaller and more closely packed.
Spores are produced on the top of the leaves in specialized structures known as sporangia. These can appear in clusters or as spikes, and their size varies significantly—from as small as 5 to 10 cm up to over 20 meters in some cases. The sporangia are kidney-shaped or obovate, stalked, and located between the ligule and the leaf base. Megasporangia are generally larger, and each contains one megaspore mother cell that divides into four megaspores. In contrast, microsporangia produce only a few microspores from each mother cell.
Morphological characteristics:
Selaginella tamariscina is widely found across China, as well as in North Korea and Japan. It thrives in dry rock crevices below 1,200 meters above sea level and exhibits remarkable drought tolerance. When dry, its branches and leaves curl tightly, resembling a fist, but they quickly unfurl and regain their green color when watered.
This species is also resilient to cold winter conditions, and it can survive in pots at temperatures no lower than 0°C. For optimal growth, it should be kept in a shaded area with 70% to 80% humidity throughout the year.
There are approximately 700 species of Selaginella worldwide, mostly concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions. In China alone, around 50 species are native.
Some commonly cultivated varieties include:
- *Selaginella involvens* (also known as Gold Cypress or Scorpion Chicken Tail), often found in southern China, growing under mountain forests at around 1,500 meters. Its stems are green, slender, and erect, with spirally arranged broad ovate leaves on the main stem. The side branches have obliquely ovate-lanceolate leaves with pointed tips and prominent midribs. Its elegant foliage makes it ideal for small potted plants.
- *Selaginella moellendorfii*, featuring an upright stem with blue-green leaves that are attached directly to the stem, with white margins.
Garden applications:
Due to its compact and unusual appearance, Selaginella is often used in small pots or water cultures. It makes a charming addition to desks, tables, or shelves, offering a delicate and unique aesthetic. Its ability to revive after drying makes it both functional and visually appealing.
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