Palhinhaea cernua
Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Vasc. & Franco
Palhinhaea cernua, commonly known as staghorn clubmoss, is a prominent member of the Lycopodiaceae family. This species is notable for its size, with rhizomes that can reach up to 5 meters in length and upright stems that may grow as tall as 2.5 meters. It is widely distributed across various regions, including the Açores, Madeira, Portugal Continental, and several parks and reserves in South America. The plant is also known by the Hawaiian name wāwaeʻiole, which translates to 'rat's foot'.
Description
Palhinhaea cernua is a robust clubmoss that exhibits a unique growth habit with its long rhizomes and tall, leafy uprights. The plant is characterized by its dense, green foliage and its ability to thrive in a range of habitats. It is often found in open areas and along the coastal zones, particularly in French Guiana, where it is more concentrated compared to its distribution in Suriname and Guyana. The species has a substantial number of scientific synonyms, reflecting its taxonomic complexity. In the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016, the genus Palhinhaea is recognized, while other classifications place it within Lycopodiella.
Habitat
Palhinhaea cernua is primarily found in open areas, including savannas and coastal zones. In French Guiana, it is more commonly observed along the coast and in a few internal open areas, whereas in Suriname and Guyana, it is found in the interior and southern regions, which have more extensive savannas and open spaces. The plant is also present in various protected areas such as the Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete and the Reserva Nacional Natural Nukak.
Cultivation
Cultivating Palhinhaea cernua requires specific conditions that mimic its natural habitat. It thrives in well-drained soils and partial to full sunlight. The plant is often found in moist, open environments and can tolerate a range of soil types. Due to its size and growth habit, it is best suited for larger gardens or naturalistic settings where it can spread and develop its characteristic rhizomes and upright stems.
Uses
Palhinhaea cernua is primarily of ecological and ornamental interest. It plays a role in stabilizing soil and contributing to the biodiversity of its native habitats. In some regions, it is appreciated for its aesthetic value and is used in landscaping. The plant is also studied for its taxonomic significance and its role in the Lycopodiaceae family. However, it does not have significant economic or medicinal uses.
Distribution
Açores · Madeira · Portugal Continental · BR · Reserva Nacional Natural Puinawai | ReservaNacional Natural Nukak | Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete | Parque Nacional Natural Yaigojé Apaporis | Santuario de Flora y Fauna Guanentá Alto Río Fonce | Parque Nacional Natural Cocuy | Parque N · Barrancabermeja | Charalá | Cimitarra | Encino | Girón | Piedecuesta | Sabana de Torres | Santa Bárbara · Boyacá | Campohermoso | Por el camino Tegua · San Luis de Gaceno · Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Boyacá, Caldas, Caquetá, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Guainía, La Guajira, Huila, Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Quindío, Risaralda, San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Santander, Tolima, Valle, Vaupé · Departamentos del Caquetá y Guaviare: Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete
Synonyms
Lycopodiella cernuaLepidotis cernuaLycopodium cernuumLycopodium boryanumLycopodium heeschiiLycopodium capillaceumLycopodium moritziiLycopodium cernuum var. panamenseLycopodium cernuum var. watsonianumPalhinhaea capillaceaLycopodium sikkimenseLycopodium cernuum var. sikkimensePalhinhaea cernua var. sikkimensisLycopodium cernuum var. suffruticosumLycopodium suffruticosumLycopodium cernuum var. vulcanicumLycopodium venerisLycopodium vulcanicumPalhinhaea cernua f. sikkimensisPalhinhaea lufengensisLycopodium cernuum f. sikkimenseLycopodium cernuum f. durissimumLycopodium cernuum f. ingensPalhinhaea cernua f. laxaLycopodium cernuum f. macrostachyumPalhinhaea cernua f. ciliatomarginataPalhinhaea polycephalaPalhinhaea salakensisPalhinhaea suffruticosaLycopodium cernuum var. blancheanum