About Spinulum annotinum (L.) A.Haines
Spinulum annotinum is a common, widespread club-moss that spreads via horizontal stems growing along the ground surface. It is typically unbranched or only sparingly branched, and every branch bears a spore cone at its apex. The edges of its leaves have tiny minute teeth. Upright branches measure 5–25 cm (2–10 in) long and are themselves mostly branchless. Sporangia sit at the tops of branches, held in separate individual spore cones.
In Finnish traditional medicine, this plant has been used as a treatment for rickets. Its spore dust has been used medicinally to address rashes and inflammation. The spore dust, also called lycopodium powder, has been used as 'fly gunpowder' (known as kärpäsruuti in Finnish) because the spores are oily and easily catch fire. In Finland, the plant has also been used for decoration in binding crafts.
