Selaginellaceae Willkomm. Spikemoss Family.
A family of 1-several genera (the generic circumscriptions still somewhat unclear), and about 700 (or more) species. Selaginellaceae, along with Lycopodiaceae and Isoetaceae, now appear to be only distantly related to other extant pteridophytes and seed plants (Pryer et al. 2001). There has been some recent tendency to split Selaginella based on groups that represent very old clades (comparable to the recognition of multiple genera in Lycopodiaceae), though this remains controversial (Soják 1992; Škoda 1997; Korall, Kenrick, & Therrien 1999; Korall & Kenrick 2002). By a conservative approach to generic segregation, we have two to four genera, in which case Selaginella itself (sensu stricto) is restricted to the type species and a close relative. PPG I (2016) and Weststrand & Korall (20161, 2016b) retained Selaginella as a single, broadly defined genus including all members of the family, with recognition of seven major clades worldwide at subgeneric rank. Zhou & Zhang (2023) proposed a more comprehensive restructuring of the family, recognizing 7 subfamilies and 19 genera; we follow this approach, as better representing the diversity in the family, while retaining Selaginella for the majority of species by retypification of Selaginella. Their taxonomic system in its full form is designed to reduce the number of name changes at species rank by conserving Selaginella with a new type, as proposed by Wan et al. (2023).
Ref: Buck (1977); Feio (2018); Jermy In Kramer & Green (1990); Korall & Kenrick (2002); Korall, Kenrick, & Therrien (1999); Lellinger (1985); PPG I (2016); Pryer et al. (2001); Schmidt et al. (2020); Škoda (1997); Soják (1992 [1993]); Somers & Buck (1975); Tang et al. (2023); Tryon (1955); Valdespino (1993) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (1993b); Wan et al. (2023); Weakley (2023b) In Weakley et al. (2023); Weststrand & Korall (2016a); Weststrand & Korall (2016b); Zhou & Zhang (2015); Zhou & Zhang (2023). Show full citations.
See something wrong or missing on about Selaginellaceae? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months.
Cite as...