Habitat:
Selaginella tamariscina is native to eastern and southeastern Asia, with a distribution spanning China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and parts of Southeast Asia. It grows in rocky habitats, cliffs, and open forest floors at elevations from 300 to 2000 metres. This species thrives in well-drained, shaded to semi-shaded areas, often in limestone-rich regions, adapting to seasonal dry spells by going dormant and reviving with moisture.
 
Description:
Selaginella tamariscina is a small, evergreen or seasonally drought-deciduous lycophyte, forming tight, cushion-like mats up to 20–30 cm across. The creeping to ascending stems are densely covered with scale-like, ovate to lanceolate leaves arranged in four rows. Each leaf measures about 1–2 mm long and has a pointed tip and slightly rough margins. The foliage is deep green under moist conditions, turning brown and curling inward during dry periods as part of its desiccation survival mechanism. Upon rehydration, the plant quickly regains its original green form. Selaginella tamariscina is often confused with Selaginella lepidophylla but can be distinguished by its tighter growth habit and preference for limestone substrates. It produces inconspicuous reproductive structures called strobili at the stem tips, typically 0.5–1.5 cm long.
 
Cultivation:
Selaginella tamariscina grows best under intermediate conditions, with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 26°C and nighttime temperatures of 12°C to 16°C. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity levels above 60%. Grow in a well-draining mix rich in organic material, such as sphagnum moss and fine bark, or mounted onto slabs with moss padding. Ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). Water regularly with rainwater or distilled water to maintain moist conditions, allowing only slight drying between waterings without extended drought. Fertilise lightly once a month during active growth with a very dilute balanced fertiliser to support healthy foliage and mat formation.
 
Specifications:
Plant Size: Small plants in 3 cm pots, c5 cm high
Plant Family: Selaginellaceae
Plant Passport: Selaginella tamariscina B 140084 C 13953 D GB