Herba Selaginellae（Selaginella tamariscina )

Selaginella tamariscina is an evergreen, perennial plant that can grow in the soil or on rocks. The densely tufted stems are 4 – 15cm long, branched nearly to the base. They form a rosette, the stems and roots entangled to form a tree-like trunk that can exceptionally be 45cm Long.

Their habitat are on limestone rocks; at elevations from 100 – 2,100 metres, though mainly at 500 – 1,500 metres.

Established plants are very drought resistant. This is a curious fern; when dry, the fronds, particularly the young ones, contract or roll up like the claws of a bird or like a miniature Cypress tree and become yellowish-brown; and when moistened, they spread out again and assume a green colour.

This is a curious fern; when dry, the fronds, particularly the young ones, contract or roll up like the claws of a bird or like a miniature Cypress tree and become yellowish-brown; and when moistened, they spread out again and assume a green colour.