Phlegmariurus varius explained

Phlegmariurus varius, is a fir moss or club moss in the family Lycopodiaceae found in areas of Australia, New Zealand and associated islands. It has a number of synonyms including Huperzia varia.

Phlegmariurus varius can grow on the ground and as a lithophyte or epiphyte. It can have one or many branches that are spirally arranged with slender leaves that narrow to a point. The plant varies from green to green-yellow and is sometimes orange in appearance.[1] A recent article provides morphological and genetic evidence to separate Phlegmariurus billardierei, the only species of Lycopodiaceae endemic to New Zealand, from P. varius.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Phlegmariurus varius New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. www.nzpcn.org.nz. 2019-12-05.
  2. Perrie. Leon R.. Shepherd. Lara D.. Field. Ashley R.. Brownsey. Patrick J.. 2019-10-02. Morphological and genetic evidence for the separation of Phlegmariurus billardierei from P. varius (Lycopodiaceae). New Zealand Journal of Botany. 58. 2. 118–128. 10.1080/0028825X.2019.1668438. 208563265. 0028-825X.