Fairchild Botanic Garden

Common name: Willdenow's Spikemoss, Peacock Fern (English)

Family: Selaginellaceae (Spikemoss)

Distribution: Tropical Asia & Indonesia

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Description: Willdenow's Spikemoss or Peacock Fern as it is referred to because of its blue-green iridescent fronds, is not a fern but actually a lycophyte, one of the oldest lineages of living vascular plants. The blue iridescence is an adaptation that reduces the effect of strong sun beams filtering through the forest canopy. This native of SE Asia is a low growing, shrub-like tropical plant that prefers semi-shade/full shade, high humidity and constantly moist soil. Ideal as a bushy ground cover; suitable for terrariums; perfect as a hanging plant due to its long branching stems.