Diphasiastrum complanatum
Diphasiastrum complanatum (L.) Holub
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm.1, Lycopodium complanatum L.3
Lycopodiaceae – Club moss family
Conservation status. Regionally extinct [RE]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herb. Main stems long-creeping, up to 1–1.5 m, slender. Erect branches, 10–30(40) cm high, green to yellowish-green, with a distinct cylindrical main axis, with dichotomously furcate, much flattened, sparse branchlets. Leaves on the branchlets in 4 rows, ventral ones triangular, much shorter than the rest. Cones cylindrical, usually in groups of 2–3(4), rarely single, peduncles up to 12 cm long. Reproduction vegetatively by fragmentation of the above-ground main stem and by spores. Spores ripening VIII–IX.
Habitats and populations. Acidophilous species growing in different habitats with wide range of ecological conditions; prefers semi-shaded dry to moderately wet habitats in coniferous or mixed coniferous–deciduous forests, but also occurs in open glades and pastures. In Bulgaria it has been reported in Picea abies–Pinus silvestris forests, sparsely on wet siliceous rocks.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (western – Surnitsa village, Dospat region); 1400 m altitude. The species has not been confirmed since 1934. Several attempts to find it in the forests around Surnitsa village have not been successful in the last 14 years.
General distribution. Boreal circumpolar species, distributed in the temperate and cold regions of the northern hemisphere: Europe (mainly N and C), Asia, SW Greenland, North America. The locality in Bulgaria is one of the southernmost in Europe.
Threats. Unknown.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act.
Conservation measures needed. Re-introduction in suitable places.
References. Kitanov 1936; Achtarov & Jordanov 1963; Bozhilova & Tonkov 1984; Valentine & Moore 1993.
Author: Daniella Ivanova
