Clubmosses, also known as Lycopodiums, are fascinating plants that have a unique way of spreading. While most plants rely on the production of spores for reproduction, clubmosses have an additional method of spreading – through underground stems called rhizomes.
Rhizomes are horizontal stems that grow beneath the surface of the soil. They can extend for several inches or even feet, allowing clubmosses to spread and establish new plants in different areas. These rhizomes are the key to the vegetative propagation of clubmosses.
When a clubmoss plant sends out rhizomes, new shoots or small plants will appear along the length of the rhizome, usually a few inches apart. These shoots grow into independent plants, connected to the parent plant via the underground rhizome network. This process allows clubmosses to colonize and spread across an area, forming dense patches or colonies.
I have personally witnessed the impressive spread of clubmosses in my own garden. I initially planted a few clubmosses in a shaded corner, and over time, I noticed new plants popping up a few inches away from the original ones. These new plants were connected to the parent plants through the rhizomes, creating a beautiful carpet of clubmosses.
It is important to note that while clubmosses can spread through rhizomes, they also produce spores for reproduction. Spores are tiny, dust-like particles that are released into the air and can be carried by wind or water to new locations. When conditions are favorable, these spores can germinate and grow into new clubmoss plants. This dual system of reproduction, through both spores and rhizomes, gives clubmosses an advantage in colonizing different habitats and spreading their population.
Clubmosses do spread, and they have multiple mechanisms to achieve this. While spore production allows for long-distance dispersal, the underground rhizomes enable the plants to spread locally, forming dense patches or colonies. The combination of these two methods of propagation ensures the successful spread and colonization of clubmosses in various environments.
