LYCOPODIUM CLUB-MOSS. 283 



LYCOPODIACE/E. 



Character of the Order. — Plants of a moss-like aspect having spore- 

 cases in the axils of their simple, commonly awl-shaped leaves. 

 A small order of comparatively unimportant plants, 



LYCOPODIUM. —Club-Moss. 



Lycopodium clavatum Linne. — Common Club-Moss. 



Description. — Spore-cases reniform, coriaceous, 1-celled, 2-valved, in 

 spikes at the summit of the branches. 



A low perennial. Stem creeping extensively, vdth numerous short as- 

 cending branches ; these are thickly beset with linear-awl-shaped leaves 

 tipped with a bristle. The fertile branches are terminated by a short 

 peduncle bearing 2 or 3 linear-cylindrical fruiting spikes. 



Habitat. — In dry woods ; common both here and in Europe. 



Part Used.— The sporules. Official name : Lycopodium. — United States 

 Fharmacopceia. 



Constituents. — Lycopodium is a fine, pale-yellowish, inflammable powder, 

 without odor or taste. It contains fixed oil and a minute proportion of 

 sugar. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Lycopodium is used as a dusting powder 

 for irritated and excoriated surfaces, and by apothecaries to prevent newly- 

 made pUls from adhering together. 



