Stems trailing. Leaves densely distributed and arranged in 2 ranks, the larger lateral ones ovate, 2-4 mm long, the smaller ones closely pressed to the undersurface, 1-2 mm long, pale green, minutely toothed on the margins. Width of branch (stem and leaves) 7-9 mm. Fertile region with a single female sporangium at the base and numerous male sporangia above.

Will tolerate cool conditions.

Tropical and S Africa, Azores. Widely naturalised in temperate regions; in Australia it is naturalised in all south-eastern states.

Spreading habit; leaves pale green with minute teeth all around the margin (hand lens).

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Selaginellaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.