Selaginella uncinata (blue spikemoss, "Konterikuramagoke")

Japanese name: コンテリクラマゴケ （紺照鞍馬苔）
Scientific name: Selaginella uncinata

[Overview]
An evergreen fern.
The stem consists of a main stem and lateral branches; the main stem is about 30–60 cm long and creeps along the ground, producing lateral branches and rhizophores here and there.
The leaves consist of dorsal leaves borne on the upper side of the stem and ventral leaves borne on the sides of the stem, and the surface has a dark blue metallic luster.
The dorsal leaves are closely pressed to the stem in two rows, narrowly ovate with pointed tips, entire, with a white membrane on the margin.
The ventral leaves are spreading, oblong to ovate with pointed tips, entire, with a white membrane on the margin.
The spore-bearing spike is quadrangular-prism-shaped, 1 cm long.
The sporophylls are ovate-triangular, with entire margins.

[History]
It was introduced for ornamental use in the early Meiji period and has become naturalized in warm regions.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or bud cuttings.
It prefers a moderately moist site with high air humidity in partial shade to shade.
Take care that it does not dry out; for potted plants, from spring to autumn water thoroughly before the soil surface dries, also misting the leaves, and water sparingly in winter because growth slows.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
If fertilizer is applied at planting, no further fertilizing is particularly necessary.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

[Notes]
The Japanese name Konteri comes from the metallic luster of the leaf surface.
It is said to have medicinal effects such as detoxification and promoting urination.

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