Tallebudgera spikemoss

What does it look like?

The Tallebudgera spikemoss is a small primitive fern-like plant, growing low to the ground in a creeping manner. Plants are closely spaced in clumps or mats up to 20 cm in height. They have a delicate lacey appearance and springy texture. Leaves are fine and narrow and range from dark green to yellow green when exposed to sun. Fertile branchlets are 2 to 4 cm long, erect or trailing, with white spores visible under leaves.

Where does it live?

The species is only known to occur at a handful of sites in the Upper Tallebudgera Valley.

Ecology & habitat

Tallebudgera spikemoss grows on moist, sheltered stream banks and slopes (including cutbanks) in shaded understorey of lowland subtropical rainforest. It appears to favour west and north facing sites with high humidity, growing with other mosses and sedges amongst soil, leaf litter and scattered surface stone.

The species is clonal, spreading by creeping runners (asexual reproduction). Gravity and water (particularly flood events) are thought to play a significant role in dispersal of plant fragments and spores (sexual reproduction).

How is its survival threatened?

• Extremely restricted distribution and rare even in suitable habitat
• Likely low genetic diversity
• Destruction of individuals and habitat from severe flood events and creek bank erosion
• Trampling by trail users
• Competition with highly invasive riparian weeds

How can we help?

• Protect populations and habitat located on private and public land
• Restore previously cleared and/or degraded habitat areas to promote the expansion of existing populations and the establishment of new populations
• Support landholders to manage populations on private property
• Raise awareness of the species in the local community

Image credit: R Linnane