CHAPTER XX 



Selaginellas 



The Selaginellas do not properly belong to the Filices, or 

 Ferns, but they are nearly allied and always associated 

 with them. There are numerous species, many of 

 which are very elegant, and they vary much in habit, 

 some forming dense masses of moss-like growth, 

 while there are many intermediate forms, and S. casta 

 arborea of gardens, or Wilddenovi of Botanists, and 

 sometimes named Iavigata, is of scandent habit. When 

 growing freely under stove treatment this has a beautiful 

 metallic blue tint, but under cooler treatment it has a 

 bronzy hue. It may be used for twining round pillars or 

 for growing against a warm moist wall ; it grows freely. 

 Rough peaty compost should be used for potting or 

 planting and good drainage given. 



Nearly all the Selaginellas require heat and moisture. 

 They may be divided into two sections, some having a very 

 dwarf spreading habit and others growing more erect. 

 Taking first those which are of most use for general pur- 

 poses, the best known is 5. Kraussiana (frequently named 

 Lycopodium denticulatum). This makes a nice edging 

 for a greenhouse stage, and though almost hardy, will do 

 equally well under stove treatment. S. Kraussiana aurea 

 is a distinct yellow variety when well exposed, and in the 

 Spring it is very bright. S. Kraussiana variegata has white 

 tips to all the growths when growing freely, but does 

 not keep its colour always. S. Browni is said to be a 

 variety, but is very distinct, and fails when given too 



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