Floristic Study and Ecological Importance of Selaginella spp. (Little Club Moss) in Chhura Block of Gariaband District, Chhattisgarh, India

The purpose of this study is to record the wealth and environmental meaning of plants of Selaginella types (small bubble clubs or advanced forms) in the forested areas of Jharjhara waterfalls, Gaidbari and Nagjhar villages, Chhura block, Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, India. These species, especially Selaginella tamariscina and Selaginella moellendorffii, are part of the Selaginellaceae family and are primitive vascular plants with important environments. This study was conducted during the 2024-2025 Monsoon season using square sampling, ethnobotanical testing. It has been reported that plants grow in moist, shaded environments with low acid soils (pH 5.5-6.2) and tend to grow thick bed covers. Ecologically, the genre of Selaginella is used to prevent soil erosion and to maintain soil microorganism storage, which is essential for soil humidity and microorganism survival. Ethnobotanical research shows that plants are working by local residents of traditional medicine to treat fever, urine, and wound disease. Despite its environmental and cultural significance, this species is poorly documented and increasingly faces the threat of habitat degradation. This study highlights the importance of integrating Selaginella types into conservation and continuation programs of environmental functioning research, and pharmacological possibilities to support local biodiversity use of forests.