Phylloglossum is a genus in the clubmoss family Huperziaceae. It is a small plant that superficially resembles a small grass plant. Phylloglossum was previously classified variously in the family Lycopodiaceae or in its own family the Phylloglossaceae. However due to recent genetic evidence Phylloglossum demonstrates that it is most closely related to the genus Huperzia and is a sister clade to the genus Phlegmariurus. The only species in Phylloglossum is drummondii (Eichhorn, 2005).
Figure 1. Phylloglossum drummondii, This image was taken from Flora base - See more at: http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/4
Phylloglossums are Common in mainland Australia. However, they are rare and classified as threatened in Tazmania. Although, there is no immediate need for reassessment of Phylloglossum drummondii. Furthermore, there are reserves in the Briggs Regional Reserve, Hawley Nature Reserve and Mount William National Park (Eichhorn, 2005).
Figure 2. Conservation status. This image was taken from dpipwe - See more at: dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Phylloglossum-drummondii.pdf
Phylloglossums are well adapted to their environment so threats that may be present for other plants do not affect the drummondii. Factors such as competition, sunlight abundance and lack of water have a small impact on Phylloglossums due to evolutionary traits (Eichhorn, 2005).
A gametophyte is usually green in appearance and common in grey to black sands or brown loam over granite (Trewavas,2003). The plants stipe (stem) are usually tubular in shape, with their fleshy swollen stems located underground (Wikstrom & Kenrick, 1997). Phylloglossums are produced annually from leafless branches that grow against gravity (Wikstrom & Kenrick, 1997). Phylloglossums resemble small grass plants growing with a rosette of tiny clusters of fleshy leaves, with a single stem 1-6 cm long ending in a spore producing cone at the apex (tip) (Trewavas, 2003). There are no leaves present on the peduncle which is also fleshy and undivided. There is a solitary strobilus present, consisting of spirally arranged sporophylls. Sporophylls are responsible for the production of the sporangium in which the spores are produced. The sporophylls have a flat circular structure is attached to a stalk near the center, rather than at or near the margin. They also possess overlapping structures and an umbrella shaped stalk attached to the centre (Trewavas, 2003). The sporangium is split and has two equal valves of the sporangia (Trewavas, 2003). The spores of this plant are pitted and have long narrow depressions (Trewavas, 2003). Phylloglossums are lacking also lacking in the multicellular hairs are found among the gametangia, which are the plants reproductive organs (Trewavas, 2003).
Phylloslossum typically grows in areas which are “temporary” bogs as they are wet in winter and dry in summer. The plant survives in summer in the form of a “tuber” that is covered by suberized cells. The withering of the plants leaves occurs when moisture becomes unavailable. The plant reverts to its tuber form which is located underground. This means the growing period is no less mesic than in lycopodium (Callow et al, 2005).
kingdom-------------- Plantae
phylum---------------- Charophyta
class------------------- Equisetopsida
subclass-------------- Lycopodiidae
order------------------- Lycopodiales
family------------------ Lycopodiaceae
genus------------------ Phylloglossum
species---------------- Phylloglossum drummondii
Figure 3. Distribution of Phylloglossum drummondii, This image was taken from Flora base - See more at: http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/4
In Australia, this genus occurs in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia. It is also known from New Zealand. In Tasmania. Distribution It is generally found only along the Northern coastline of the State, extending up into King and Flinders Islands (Garrett ,1996).
Phylloglossum drummondii grows in wet, peaty soils with little competition from other plants. They can also be found in grey to black sands or brown loam over granite, Coastal plains and granitic outcrops (Garrett ,1996).
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Figure 4. Distribution of Phylloglossum drummondii, This image was taken from Flora base - See more at: http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/4
There are no immediate uses for phylloglossums, however they are adapt at growing in areas in which fires are common.
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