What is the shape of gametophyte of Selaginella?

Structure of the Microspore and Development of the Male Gametophyte: The microspores are very minute in size and range in diameter from 0.015 to 0.05 mm. Soon after separation from the tetrad they will be triradiate but gradually assume a sub-spherical shape.

Does Selaginella produce independent of male and female gametophytes?

Unlike the homosporous spores of most liverworts, hornworts, mosses, ferns, and Lycopodium—which are characterized by morphologically identical spores that germinate to produce bisexual (both male and female) or unisexual (either male or female) gametophytes—the spores of Selaginella begin to develop into gametophytes …

What is the life cycle of Selaginella?

Selaginella exhibits a regular alternation between sporophytic and gametophytic generations. It is a free-living plant with a distinct root, stem, and leaves and it grows for a long time. It reproduces asexually by the formation of haploid spores within the sporangia.

How does fertilization occur in Selaginella?

rupestris), fertilisation occurs while the female gametophyte is still within the sporangium. Biflagellate sperms (haploid) are liberated, then they swim to the archegonia through a thin film of water and fertilise the egg (haploid) to form diploid zygote.

Is Selaginella a moss?

Spike moss, (family Selaginellaceae), family of more than 700 species of mossy or fernlike seedless vascular plants of the order Selaginellales. The family consists of a single genus, Selaginella.

How do you identify Selaginella?

Selaginella species are creeping or ascendant plants with simple, scale-like leaves (microphylls) on branching stems from which roots also arise. The stems are aerial, horizontally creeping on the substratum (as in Selaginella kraussiana), sub-erect (Selaginella trachyphylla) or erect (as in Selaginella erythropus).

How does Lycopsida reproduce?

Description: The Lycopsida are small, terrestrial or epiphytic, vascular plants which lack flowers and reproduce sexually by spores. The thick-walled spores germinate into very small monoecious prothalli (gametophyte stage) that are mostly saprophytic.

What is the difference between Lycopodium and Selaginella?

The key difference between Lycopodium and Selaginella is that Lycopodium is a clubmoss which is homosporous (one type of spore) while Selaginella is a spike moss which is heterosporous (two distinct types of spores). They produce spores for reproduction. Moreover, lycophytes they have unique leaves called microphylls.

Is Salvinia a Pteridophyte?

Recent sources include both Azolla and Salvinia in Salviniaceae, although each genus was formerly given its own family. Salvinia, like the other ferns in order Salviniales, are heterosporous, producing spores of differing sizes. However, leaf development in Salvinia is unique….

Salvinia
Genus: Salvinia Ség.
Species

How far Selaginella reaches the seed habit?

Selaginella produce two kinds of spores, macro (large) and micro (small) spores. The megaspores and microspores germinate and give rise to female and male gametophytes, respectively. But Selaginella falls short of seed habit due to lack of integument around the megasporangium.

Is Selaginella a houseplant?

Selaginella plants like temperatures ranging from 50°-75° F. Because of this, some varieties can work well as houseplants, but they are more commonly found growing outdoors. There are some Selaginella species that will tolerate temperatures as low as 40° F, and these can be grown outdoors all year round.

Is Spike moss poisonous?

A Selaginella is a non- poisonous.

What kind of soil does Selaginella uncinata need?

Selaginella uncinata is hardier than you might expect, this charming plant can be grown as a garden plant outdoors in most areas of the UK, and is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. Plant Selaginella uncinata in well drained, moist soil, in a sheltered spot, where your plants will be partially or fully shaded.

How did Selaginella uncinata get its name?

Selaginella uncinata is also called by its common name of Peacock Moss, which references the blue-green, almost metallic colour of this stunning evergreen perennial’s foliage, which has an almost iridescent appearance, resembling the colouring of the peacock’s feathers.

Which is the best Selaginella plant to keep?

Selaginella Uncinata: With attractive blue-green flowers, Selaginella uncinata makes the best ever species of plants that you can keep in homes, known with many names among the plant enthusiasts like blue spikemoss, peacock moss, peacock spikemoss, or spring blue spikemoss. Selaginella uncinata is native to the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Where to plant Selaginella uncinata peacock spikemoss?

In Zones 6 and below Spikemoss is best overwintered in a container indoors. Adapts well to terrariums. Slugs love Spikemoss, so plan to control them in some way. Disclaimer: This information is presented for reference only.