Definition

Noun: - A type of spikemoss: A specific species of spikemoss (Selaginella apoda) characterized by its growth habit of forming dense, low mats or carpets of vegetation. It is native to eastern North America.

Usage Notes

• The term "basket spikemoss" is a common name for a specific plant species. It is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, and ecological contexts.
• It is a compound noun where "basket" likely refers to the dense, interwoven mat of foliage resembling a basket's weave.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The forest floor was covered with a soft carpet of basket spikemoss.
  • In the shady garden, basket spikemoss thrives as a ground cover.
  • Botanists study the moisture retention properties of basket spikemoss mats.

Advanced Usage

• As a botanical identifier: The name is used to distinguish this mat-forming species from other types of spikemoss that may have different growth forms (e.g., upright or trailing).
  • For a shady, moist area, basket spikemoss is recommended over the rock spikemoss.

Variants and Related Words

• Scientific name: .
• Common synonyms: Meadow spikemoss.
• Related term: Spikemoss (n): The common name for plants in the genus , which are fern allies, not true mosses.

Synonyms

• Meadow spikemoss
• (scientific)

Notes on Meaning

• The "basket" in the name is descriptive and does not imply the plant is used for making baskets. It refers solely to its mat-forming growth pattern.
• This plant is a lycophyte, an ancient group of vascular plants, and is often used in terrariums or as ornamental ground cover in suitable climates.

Noun

1. spikemoss forming dense mats; eastern North America