Selaginella
| Botanical Name | Selaginella kraussiana |
|---|---|
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Origin | Central and Southern Africa |
Identification
A fern ally. Plants mat-forming, creeping, erect or epiphytic. Stems slender, irregularly branched. Leaves numerous 2-4 mm long either spirally arranged or 4-ranked. Bears small cones.Habitats
Forest floor, streambanks. Frequent throughout lowland sites in shaded conditions. Locally abundant. Disturbed areas of forest and grazed areas are more likely to have selaginella.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Grows amongst forest floor mosses becoming a thick carpet that eventually threatens the development of young seedling trees. Chokes native orchids, mosses and anything else on forest floor.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Garden escape. Fragments of stem have ground or aerial roots. Spread by spores carried on boots, feet, stock, machinery etc. Spreads rapidly in warm areas.Management
|
Management |
|
| Physical Control |
Small areas could be hand picked or raked up. |
| Disposal |
Care must be taken as every piece can grow. |
| Chemical Control |
Glyphosate at 100 ml in 10 litres of water with 20 ml of Penetrant. |
|
Biological Control |
|
| Recommended Approach |
When it is not present effort should be made to keep it that way. |
Further Comment
Wash tramping boots etc. before moving from forest to forest. This plant is prohibited from sale and distribution in New Zealand.