Spore Plants
DEWCLAWS, FERNS, MOSSES AND PONYTAILS
By Mr. A. Leupen, homeopathic physician in Utrecht
The PRIMITIVE PLANTS are divided into two main groups: THALLOPHYTA and CORMOPHYTA.
1. THALLOPHYTA
lowest group of the plant kingdom: absence of stem, leaves and roots
a. Algae
algae and
algae (containing chlorophyll)
b. Fungi
fungi and mushrooms (not chlorophyll: saprophytes)
c. Lichenes
lichens (symbiosis of algae and fungi)
2. CORMOPHYTA
less primitive group: in possession of stem, leaves and roots.
a. Lycopodiophytes: wolf's claw family
b. Equisetophytes: ponytail family
c. Ferns
d. Mosses
In this chapter the CORMOPHYTA will be discussed further.
LYCOPODIOPHYTES-
This group includes the wolf's claw family: Lycopodiaceae. The Lycopodiaceae dominated the vegetation millions of years ago; some of them were tree size, 40 m long and 2 m in diameter.
This plant family supplies the homeopathic remedy LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. This remedy is prepared from the tracks of the Great Wolf's claw. This poisonous, mossy herb has creeping stems, upright branches and fertile leaves with ripe spores. Height up to 12 cm. The spores are explosive when lit and are used to mimic lightning and in fireworks.
Biotope: acidic soil, mountains (Europe and North America).
Phytotherapy: the spores were previously used for stomach and urinary problems, as a antispasmodic sedative and as a coating on pills. The Blackfoot Indians knew the blood-blocking, wound healing and moisture-absorbing properties of the spores and inhaled them during nosebleeds and scattered them on wounds.