The Fir Clubmoss 



much easier to locate, because, unlike the other native 

 clubmosses, it is upright and not prostrate in growth. 

 The popular name of this clubmoss is a very appro- 

 priate one. Seen on the rocky slopes of mountains or 

 on elevated moorlands with the sun shining on its dark 

 green foliage, the plant bears quite a striking re- 

 semblance to the early stages of some of our coniferous 

 trees. 



Its upright growth and the absence of special spore- 

 bearing branches at once mark it off from the other 

 native clubmosses. The stem may be for a short 

 distance prostrate, but when branching takes place, the 

 branches become upright. The leaves, which are small 

 with pointed tips, cover every part of the branches from 

 top to bottom. The spore capsules are to be found 

 in the axils of the upper leaves and not in special spikes 

 or cones. 



This plant may also be reproduced by budding. At 

 the top of the branches little buds appear. When 

 these have reached a certain stage of development, they 

 are scattered in all directions as the branches are tossed 

 about by the wind. On finding a suitable soil, the 

 buds take root and grow into new plants. 



The Fir Clubmoss is only found in elevated situa- 

 tions. Selago, the specific name of this plant, was 

 formerly the generic name of all the clubmosses, and 

 is believed to have .been the name of some unknown 

 ancient plant to which, perhaps, the Fir Clubmoss bore 

 a strong resemblance. 



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