Huperzia linifolia (L.) Trevis.

  • Authority

    Mickel, John T. & Smith, Alan R. 2004. The pteridophytes of Mexico. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 88: 1-1054.

  • Family

    Lycopodiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Huperzia linifolia (L.) Trevis.

  • Description

    Species Description - Plants pendent, flaccid, 13–40 cm long, 2–5 times forked; stems 0.5–1.2 mmdiam. (without leaves), stramineous to greenish or light brown; leaves spreading to oblique (somewhat ascending), distant, mostly 1–2 mm apart, spiral in few (4–6) ranks, twisted (with branches appearing somewhat flattened), linearlanceolate, narrowed to bases or short-petiolate, straight or usually subfalcate, usually pale or yellowish green, papyraceous to chartaceous, entire, midveins prominent abaxially, leaves near base of plants 1.5–2.5 cm x 2–3 mm, abruptly narrowed to 0.5 mm at leaf bases, smaller toward tips of stems where they are 1–2 cm long, 1 mm wide above narrowed bases; sporophylls similar to vegetative leaves but slightly smaller; 2n=260–280 (PR).

  • Discussion

    Lycopodium linifolium L., Sp. Pl. 2: 1100. 1753. Urostachys linifolius (L.) Herter, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 19: 165. 1923. Lectotype (chosen by Proctor, Fl. L. Antill. 2: 26. 1977). Plumier, Traite´ Foug. Ame´r., pl. 166, f. C, 1705, illustrating a plant from Martinique or Hispaniola.

    Mexican material of this species is fairly uniform. Nessel’s varieties (1939) are not sufficiently distinct to be used with confidence. Narrowed leaf bases and leaves not in pseudowhorls distinguish this species from slender specimens of the H. taxifolia alliance. In Mexico, Huperzia linifolia is closest to H. capillaris, which see for discussion.

  • Distribution

    Epiphytic in wet forests at low to middle elevations; 25–2000 m. Mexico; Guat, Bel, Hond, Salv, Nic, CR, Pan; Gr & L Ant; Col, Ven, Trin, Sur, Ec, Braz, Bol.

    Mexico North America| Bolivia South America| Brazil South America| Bolivia South America| Amazonas Ecuador South America| Suriname South America| Trinidad and Tobago South America| Venezuela South America| Colombia South America| West Indies| Panama Central America| Costa Rica South America| Nicaragua Central America| El Salvador Central America| Honduras Central America| Belize Central America| Guatemala Central America|