Traditionally utilization of Selaginella; field research and literature ...

Vol. 1, No. 3, Pp. 146-158 

November 2009 

ISSN: 2087-3940 (print) 

ISSN: 2087-3956 (electronic) 

Traditionally utilization of Selaginella; field research and literature 

review 

AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN ♥ 

Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36a Surakarta 57126, Central Java, 

Indonesia. Tel./Fax.: +92-271-663375. ♥ email: volatileoils@gmail.com 

Manuscript received: 11 September 2008. Revision accepted: 10 November 2008. 

Abstract. Setyawan AD. 2009. Traditionally utilization of Selaginella; field research and literature review. Nusantara Bioscience 1: 

146-158. The aims of this research were to find out traditional usage of Selaginella in medication and its other usages, especially in Java 

and other Indonesian Archipelago. About 200 of 700-750 world species of Selaginella was found in Indonesian Archipelago. Field 

research and literature review indicated that Selaginella is used traditionally to heal wound, bloody stools, internal hemorrhoid bleeding, 

menstrual and uterine disorder, blood expediting, enhancing body endurance and longevity of live, headache, etc. Besides that some of 

Selaginella are also used as raw dishes vegetable, ornamental pants, and crafts materials. The utilization of Selaginella is very limited 

against the amount of species and medicinal potency, it is needed an advance study on ethnobotany and phytochemistry to improve their 

uses. 

Key word: traditional medicines, herbal, ethnobotany, Selaginella, Java. 

Abstrak. Setyawan AD. 2009. Pemanfaatan Selaginella secara tradisional; penelitian lapangan dan telaah pustaka. Nusantara 

Bioscience 1: 146-158. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui manfaat Selaginella dalam pengobatan tradisional dan pemanfaatan 

lainnya, melalui penelitian lapangan dan telaah pustaka, khususnya di Jawa dan Kepulauan Nusantara. Sebanyak 200 dari 700-750 

spesies Selaginella hadir di Kepulauan Nusantara. Secara tradisional Selaginella digunakan untuk mengobati luka, pendarahan, 

gangguan menstruasi dan kandungan, memperlancar peredaran darah, meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh, memperpanjang usia, mengobati 

sakit kepala dan lain-lain. Di samping itu beberapa jenis Selaginella juga digunakan sebagai sayuran (lalapan), tanaman hias, dan bahan 

baku kerajinan tangan. Pemanfaatan Selaginella sangat terbatas dibanding jumlah jenis dan potensi manfaat obatnya, sehingga 

diperlukan kajian etnobotani dan fitokimia lebih mendalam untuk meningkatkan pemanfaatannya. 

Kata kunci: obat tradisional, tanaman obat, etnobotani, Selaginella, Jawa. 

INTRODUCTION 

Medicinal plants are plants that contain ingredients that 

can be used for treatment or becoming drug synthesis 

precursor (Sofowora 1982). Medicinal plants have become 

the leading contributor to health to mankind since time 

immemorial. In Indonesia, there are various systems of 

traditional medicine, as a result of high biological and 

cultural diversity in this country (Erdelen et al. 1999). The 

oldest and the most widespread system of traditional 

medication in Indonesia and the Malay Archipelago 

(Nusantara or Malesia) is a native herb from Java (jamu). 

Herbal medicine or jamu contains more than 30 species of 

plants. The existence of the process of making herbal relief 

in Borobudur temple shows that the herb has been widely 

known since the early 9th century (Jansen 1993). This 

system has been recorded since the last centuries in various 

serat (letters) and primbon (prophecy) (Soedibjo 1989 

1990; Sutarjadi 1990). Jamu is an original vocabulary of 

the Java language, which means traditional medicine, in 

addition it has been absorbed into the Indonesian language 

(Riswan and Sangat-Roemantyo 2002), and the word jamu 

has also been used by other Malay speakers. This system is 

widespread through trade and migration, since the 

kingdoms of Hindu Mataram (Sanjaya), Sriwijaya 

(Sailendra), and Majapahit. At this time, jamu plays an 

important role in health and economic development of 

Indonesia and around countries (Sidik 1994). In Indonesia, 

more than 75% disease was treated with jamu or traditional 

medicine (Al-Janabi 2001). Even according to the WHO, 

80% of the developing countries depend entirely on 

traditional medicine to maintain the people’s health 

(Farnsworth et al. 1985; Bodeker et al. 2005). 

Tropical forests are the habitat and the main source of 

medicinal plants (Stepp and Moerman 2001; Stepp 2004), 

due to high levels of biodiversity and endemism (Gentry 

1993; Macilwain 1998). Some 40,000 species (Rifai MA, 

2008, personal communication) or 15% of flowering plants 

can be found in Indonesia (MOSPP 1993). 10% of the 

plants are potential for medicinal plants (Schumacher 

1996). Heyne (1927) noted the existence of 996 species of 

flowering plants used in traditional medicine in Indonesia, 

when added with algae, fungi, ferns, and gymnosperms and 

the number can reach 1040 species. Kazahara (1986) noted 

7500 plant species in Indonesia, where 3689 species of 

which are medicinal plants. Zuhud et al (1994) mentions

SETYAWAN – Traditional use of Selaginella 147 

the 1260 species of trees in the Indonesian rain forests are 

used as medicinal plants. 

Selaginella (cakar ayam or rane) is a medicinal plant 

that has not been widely used, either traditional or modern. 

Small amounts of the species are also used as ornamental 

plants and vegetables. Family Selaginellaceae Reichb has 

only one genus, Selaginella Pal. Beauv, consisting of 700- 

750 species and widespread in a cosmopolitan way (Tryon 

and Tryon 1982; Jermy 1990). In Nusantara or Malay 

Archipelago (Malesia), there are more than 200 species of 

Selaginella, with the highest diversity and endemism in 

Papuasia, Borneo, and the Philippines. In Java there are 24 

with 5 endemic species. Some species are still waiting to be 

discovered, but a number of other species waiting to be 

extinct (Setyawan 2008). All species of Nusantara have 

small leaves resembling scales, with two different sizes: the 

smaller median leaves in the inner row and the larger 

lateral leave in the outer rows (Jermy 1990; Camus 1997). 

Selaginella contains a variety of secondary metabolites 

such as alkaloids, phenol (flavonoids, tannins, saponins), 

and terpenoids (triterpene, steroid) (Chikmawati and 

Miftahudin 2008; Chikmawati et al. 2008). The main 

secondary metabolite of this plant is biflavonoid, whose 

type is various depending on the species. Biflavonoid that 

has been identified from Selaginella, among others 

amentoflavone, 2',8''-biapigenin, delicaflavone, ginkgetin, 

heveaflavone, hinokiflavone, isocryptomerin, kayaflavone, 

ochnaflavone, podocarpusflavone A, robustaflavone, 

sumaflavone, and taiwaniaflavone. These compounds act as 

antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, 

antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, protective 

against UV irradiation, vasorelaxant, heart boosters, antihypertensive, 

anti-clotting, and affect the metabolism 

enzymes (Setyawan and Darusman 2008). Biflavonoid is a 

typical of secondary metabolites which are found only in 

Selaginellales, Psilotales, gymnosperms (Seigler 1998), and 

several species of Bryophytes and Angiosperms (DNP 1992). 

This study consists of two main activities, namely the 

field research and literature review. The field research was 

conducted in several areas in Indonesia, especially Java, in 

order to know the traditional use of medicinal plants 

Selaginella, while the literature review were collected from 

studies around the world, especially from the Nusantara 

regions. The literature review is intended to strengthen and 

expand the knowledge about the traditional use of 

medicinal plants, Selaginella. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

Field research 

The field research was conducted to know current state 

of traditional use of Selaginella. The field research was 

conducted at 100s locations in Java and 10 locations in 

other islands, namely: (i) Cycloops Mountain Nature 

Reserve, Jayapura, Papua, (ii) Mount Meja Protected 

Forest, Manokwari, West Papua, (iii) Mount Gamalama, 

Ternate, North Maluku, (iv) Atakejawe-Lolobata National 

Park, Halmahera, North Maluku, (v) Mount Soputan, Minahasa, 

North Sulawesi, (vi) Nantu Game Reserve, Boalemo, 

Gorontalo, (vii) Mount Rinjani, Lombok, West Nusa 

Tenggara, (viii) Batu Kahu Nature Reserve, Tabanan, Bali, 

(ix) Mount Penumbing, Bangka-Belitung, and (x) Mount 

Leuser National Park, Aceh (Figure 1). The field research 

was conducted in the mid of 2007 to the late of 2008. 

10 

9 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

11 

8 

7 

Figure 1. Selaginellas research sites in Nusantara. 1. Cycloops Mountain Nature Reserve, Jayapura, Papua, 2. Mount Meja Protected 

Forest, Manokwari, West Papua, 3. Mount Gamalama, Ternate, North Maluku, 4. Atakejawe-Lolobata National Park, Halmahera, North 

Maluku, 5. Mount Soputan, Minahasa, North Sulawesi, 6. Nantu Game Reserve, Boalemo, Gorontalo, 7. Mount Rinjani, Lombok, West 

Nusa Tenggara, 8. Batu Kahu Nature Reserve, Tabanan, Bali, 9. Mount Penumbing, Bangka-Belitung, and 10. Mount Leuser National 

Park, Aceh, 11. Java (100s sites).

148 

1 (3): 146-158, November 2009 

Note: Study sites in Java included: West Java, Banten and Jakarta: Bogor Lowland (UI campus at Depok-Jakarta, Cifor educational forest, Bogor Botanic Garden, Mekarsari 

Park, BAU campus at Darmaga, Ciampea limestone hill); Mount Halimun Salak (Cikaniki research station, Nirmala tea plantation, Gunung Bunder, Gunung Malang, Cijeruk, 

Gunung Wiru, Kabandungan, Cibedug); Mount Gede-Pangrango (Cibodas Botanic Garden, Cibodas trekking); Pembarisan Mountain (Darma, Kudugede), Mount Ciremai 

(Linggarjati, Cilimus, Jalaksana). Central Java and Yogyakarta: Nusakambangan Island (Lempong Pucung, Ujung Alang); Mount Slamet (Baturraden, Serang); Dieng 

Plateau (Telaga Warna, Sikidang crater, Tuk Bimo Lukar or Serayu water spring, Batur’s ex PT. Dieng Jaya factory, Kejajar riverside, Mladi, Sikarim waterfall); Wonosobo 

Township, 500-1000 m.asl. (Kejiwan, Kalianget, Sambek, Tawangsari); Wonosobo’s Lowland Community Forest: 250-500 m. asl. (Kepil, Burat pine forest, Bejen water 

spring, Dempes pine forest, Lamuk pine forest, Ngalian pine forest, Wadaslintang dam, Wadaslintang outlet); Dieng alternatif route (Sigaluh salak plantation, Madukoro salak 

plantation, Talunombo agathis and pine plantation, Pagentan, Pejawaran, Batur highland); Mount Sindoro (Jumprit water spring, Candimulyo tea plantation, Kledung tobacco 

plantation, Damarkasian, Sojopuro, Gedekan, Ngelo, Andongsili, Blederan, Sigedang, Tambi tea plantation); Mount Sumbing (Margoyoso, Kwaderan, Rejosari, Kaliangkrik, 

Butuh, Batursari); Mount Telomoyo (Gedong Songo temples, Bandungan); Mount Merapi and Merbabu (Deles, Kalikuning, Plawangan hill, Kaliurang, Kalitengah Lor, Bale 

Rante, Ampel trekking route, Selo, Musuk, Sawangan, Kopeng, Getasan); Menoreh Mountain (Loano, Kaligesing, Girimulyo); Mount Lawu (Grojogan Sewu waterfall, 

Jobolarangan hill, Cemoro Sewu, Ngargoyoso forest park, Kemuning tea plantation, Jenawi rubber plantation); Sewu Mountain (Batuseribu, Nguntoronadi, Wuryantoro, Gajah 

Mungkur dam, Wanagama I forest, Dadapan’s Pacitan bay, Pancuran Tegalombo); East Java: Mount Wilis (Telaga Ngebel), Mount Kelud (Kelud crater area), Mount Kawi- 

Butak (Cuban Rondo waterfall), Mounts Bromo, Tengger, Semeru (Wonokitri village, Bromo crater, Tutur’s Kutukan river, Cuban Pelangi waterfall), Mount Argopuro (Cuban 

Dalungan waterfall, Bremi recreational area), Iyang Mountain (Gumitir, Boto-Mrawan, Ijen Mountain). 

The data of the traditional use of Selaginella were obtained 

through interviews (in-depth interviews) with local 

residents (key person) about 2-3 people at each location. 

Selected respondents were adults (aged > 18 years), and 

were born and raised in that region. Respondents did not 

necessarily have high education or work as traditional 

healers. To maintain the spontaneity of respondents, interviews 

were conducted in an informal, unstructured, using a 

general interview guide; by showing a number of Selaginella 

specimens that have been collected previously from these 

locations, to ensure the local name of each taxon and other 

data. In some locations, field studies were conducted more 

than one visit to deepen the research, so there were 5-10 

local residents per location that were interviewed. 

The data recorded include the location, scientific name, 

local name, the efficacy in the treatment, the used parts, 

single or ingredients (if ingredients, then mentioned the other 

ingredients that are added), the preparation procedure, the 

charged dose, the duration of treatment, the abstinence 

during treatment and the best time of collection. In 

addition, other non-medical use was also noted (Table 2). 

All species of Selaginella found at each study site were 

sampled and made into herbarium, and also identified 

further to confirm their identity. Identification was done by 

referring to the Alderwereld van Rosenburgh (1915a, b; 

1916 1917 1918 1920 1922) and Alston (1934 1935a, b; 

1937 1940); and herbarium sheets of the Herbarium 

Bogoriense collection (BO) especially which has been 

determined by Alston in the past. Herbarium specimens are 

stored mainly in the Herbarium Soloense (SO), Biology 

Department, Sebelas Maret University of Surakarta; with 

the collection numbers of ADS et al. The duplicate will be 

sent to the Herbarium Bogoriense (BO), Research Centre 

for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong 

Bogor and the Leiden Herbarium (L), the Netherlands. 

Literature review 

Literature review data were collected until the end of 

2008, primarily through the collection of abstracts from: 

Medline (www.pubmed.gov), JSTOR (www.jstor.org), 

HighWirePress (http://highwire.stanford.edu), BioInfoBank 

(http://lib.bioinfo.pl), Elsevier (www.sciencedirect.com), 

and Springer (www.springerlink.com). Literature review 

data in the form of books, journals, abstracts, articles, 

patents, and bibliographies were also collected from 

Google (www.google.com) and Yahoo (www.yahoo.com). 

Data collection is not restricted to language or time of 

publication. The data collection used the keyword 

'Selaginella' and/or 'medicinal plant' and/or 'biflavonoid', 

including the 12 compounds of biflavonoid, namely: 

amentoflavone, 2',8''-biapigenin, delicaflavone, ginkgetin, 

heveaflavone, hinokiflavone, isocryptomerin, kayaflavone, 

ochnaflavone, podocarpusflavone A, robustaflavone, 

sumaflavone, and taiwaniaflavone. Selection was then 

performed manually by reading the manuscript one by one 

to separate the valuable data (from a trusted author and 

publisher) from the invaluable ones and to avoid duplication. 

All the data whose strength had been proved were 

compiled in the tables. For traditional use, as well as field 

research, data collected includes location (country, place), 

scientific name, local name, the efficacy in the treatment, 

the used parts, single or ingredients (if ingredients, then 

mentioned the other ingredients that were added), 

governance way of preparation, the dose, duration of 

treatment, abstinence during treatment and the best time of 

collection. In addition, non-medical use and a list of 

libraries were also noted (Table 2). 

Data analysis 

The ethnobotany data was explained descriptively and 

compared with utilization in the whole world. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

Species diversity 

Selaginella species found in the 100s sites in Java and 

10 sites outside Java is listed in Table 1; photo collection of 

some samples are presented in Figure 2. In this study, 40 

species of Selaginella has been found, where 18 species 

can not be identified, although by matching them with 

Herbarium Bogoriense collection. Some species are 

thought to be a new species, new records or species 

introductions to Nusantara. Selaginella identification of the 

archipelago is difficult because most libraries for the 

identification of old age and require revision. Selaginella 

species mostly not been used as medicinal plants or other 

purposes of economic potential, but there are at least 10 

species that have been used with varying intensity (Table 

2). S. involvens, S. ornata, S. willdenowii, and S. plana 

used as medicinal ingredients. S. ciliaris, S. singalanensis, 

and Selaginella sp.1 used as an ornamental plant. S. opaca, 

S. plana and S. wildenowii used as a vegetable. S. caudata 

and Selaginella sp.4 used as a wrapping of fruits and 

vegetables from the garden.


Table 1. Diversity of Selaginella in the research sites. 

Location 

Java*) 

Scientific name 

Selaginella aristata Spring 

Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spring 

Selaginella frondosa Warb. 

Selaginella intermedia (BI.) Spring 

Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring 

Selaginella longiaristata Hieron 

Selaginella opaca Warb. 

Selaginella ornata (Hook & Grev.) Spring 

Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Hieron 

Selaginella remotifolia Spring 

Selaginella repanda (Desv. & Poir.) Spring 

Selaginella rothertii Alderw. 

Selaginella singalanensis Hieron 

Selaginella subalpina Alderw. 

Selaginella willdenowii (Desv.) Baker 

Selaginella zollingeriana Spring 

Selaginella sp.1 “hortus-mekarsari” 

Selaginella sp.2 “halimunensis” 

Selaginella sp.3 “kaliwiroensis” 

Cycloops Mountain Nature Reserve 

Selaginella angustiramea Muell. 

Selaginella caudata (Desv.) Spring 

Selaginella velutina Cesati 

Selaginella sp.4 


Mount Meja Protected Forest 

Selaginella caudata 


Mount Gamalama 

Selaginella cupressina (Willd.) Spring 


Atakejawe-Lolobata National Park 

Selaginella angustiramea 

Selaginella velutina 




Mount Soputan 

Selaginella cupressina 



Nantu Game Reserve 

Selaginella caudata 

Selaginella cupressina 

Selaginella vonroemeri Alderw. 

Mount Rinjani 

Selaginella sp.12 “rinjaniensis” 

Selaginella plana 

Batu Kahu Nature Reserve 

Selaginella opaca 

Selaginella remotifolia 

Selaginella sp.13 “pseudoinvolvens” 

Selaginella sp.14 “pseudoplana” 

Mount Penumbing 

Selaginella ketra-ayam Alderw. 


Mount Leuser National Park 

Selaginella mayeri Hieron. 




Note: *) Javan selaginellas of BO collection that cannot find in this research are: S. 

alutacia Spring, S. stipulata (Blume) Spring, and S. subspinulosa Spring. 

Medicinal use of Selaginella 

The traditional utilization of Selaginella based on field 

studies and literature review are presented respectively in 

Table 2. From Table 2, it appears that the traditional use 

Selaginella in Java and other islands in Nusantara is still 

relatively rare, compared to the number of species that 

grow in this region. At least the local name given shows the 

little popularity of this plant in the community, this is 

certainly due to least utilization of the plants. The 

dominance of Javanese herbal medicine systems (jamu) in 

traditional medicine in Indonesia and Malaysia, which is 

generally made from raw materials of about 30 species of 

cultivated plants, especially rhizomes and spices seem to 

have put aside the potential use of Selaginella, whose 

availability in nature is affected by seasons. From the field 

studies, it is known that the Selaginella is useful to treat 

wounds, menstrual disorders and for treatments before, 

during, and after giving birth, and to improve fitness and 

endurance of the body (tonic). 

It is also known that the utilization of Selaginella was 

not only found in Nusantara, but relatively and evenly 

distributed throughout the world, although the number of 

species that have been used relatively limited. The result of 

literature study also shows that the herb is commonly used 

to treat wounds and bleeding, either external wounds or 

internal injuries such as menstrual disorders and 

postpartum hemorrhage, and also used as a tonic to 

improve fitness and stamina (Table 2). The more number of 

utilization of Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Hieron. in 

Indonesia and Malaysia compared to other species may be 

linked to the size distribution of these plants on the islands 

of Nusantara, western Nusantara region considering the 

ancestral home of this species (Setyawan 2008). The 

utilization of S. tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring and S. 

doederleinii Hieron indicates the presence of the influence 

of traditional Chinese medicine in an area, considering that 

both are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine 

recipes that are relatively advanced. 


In the Indonesian language, especially new libraries 

generally name Selaginella as cakar ayam, referring to the 

leaf shape that resembles the scales on either side of the 

stem, like scales on a chicken leg (Dalimartha 1999); or 

rane uptake of Sundanese, the most common ethnic utilize 

this plant (Sastrapradja and Afriastini 1985). Selaginella 

has many local names, such as: rumput Solo, cemara kipas 

gunung, cakar ayam (Java), paku rane (Sunda), menter 

(Betawi), tai lantuan (Madura), usia (Ambon), sikili batu, 

lingonai (Minangkabau) (Heyne 1927; Winter and Jansen 

2003), and shi shang bai or juan bai (Chinese) (Bensky et 

al. 2004). But the field research shows local names are now 

beginning not to be recognized by people; even most of the 

respondents did mention the local names of Selaginella 

shown to them, except in West Java where the Sundanese 

people uniformly used the word rane to name a few species 

from genus Selaginella, particularly S. plana. On the Dieng 

plateau and surrounding the word pulalata was used to 

name Selaginella opaca Warb. In the vicinity of Mount 

Argopuro, East Java where there was pretty much of the

150 

1 (3): 146-158, November 2009 

A B C D 

E F G H 

I J K L 

M N O P 

Q R S T 

U V W X 

Y Z AA BB


CC DD EE FF 

GG 

HH 

Figure 2. Most Selaginella found in this research in Nusantara. A. S. aristata, B. S. ciliaris, C. S. frondosa, D. S. intermedia, E. S. 

involvens, F. S. longiaristata, G. S. opaca, H. S. ornata, I. S. plana, J. S. remotifolia , K. S. repanda, L. S. rothertii, M. S. singalanensis, 

N. S. subalpina, O. S. willdenowii, P. S. zollingeriana, Q. Selaginella sp.1, R. Selaginella sp.2, S. Selaginella sp.3, T. S. angustiramea, 

U. S. caudata, V. S. velutina, W. Selaginella sp.4, X. Selaginella sp.5, Y. S. cupressina, Z. Selaginella sp.7, AA. Selaginella sp.8, BB. 

Selaginella sp.9, CC. S. vonroemeri, DD. Selaginella sp.12, EE. Selaginella sp.13,FF. Selaginella sp.14, GG. S. ketra-ayam, HH. S. 

mayeri (source: photos Y until CC contributed by J. Kinho). 

Madurese population, the word tai lantuan was still used to 

name a few species of Selaginella such as S. plana, S. 

involvens (Sw.) Spring, and S. remotifolia Spring. 

In this study, most respondents did not know the local 

names or the benefits of Selaginella, either as raw drugs, 

food, ornamental plants or other benefits. Most of them 

were also unable to show the difference between one 

species of Selaginella from other species. However, many 

of whom were familiar with this plant, proved by the 

ability to indicate where the habitats of Selaginella grew 

when shown with the examples of the specimens and when 

they can be found abundantly. Generally, they identified 

the habitat of Selaginella as cliffs near springs, waterfalls 

or small water channel that was humid, wet and somewhat 

open; and tend to grow more abundant during the rainy 

season. They generally think its name was pakis or a kind 

of this plant. In fact, the word pakis is more properly 

applied to the tree ferns, such as Cyatheaceae, that have a 

similar appearance with pakisaji or cycads. 

The field research shows the use of Selaginella in 

Indonesia is relatively limited, although there is a relatively 

large number of the species. Type of utilization is generally 

in the form of utilization as a medicinal plant, besides it 

was also noted the utilization as raw vegetables or lalapan 

and food wrappers from the field. Types of diseases and 

health problems that can be healed with this plants among 

others are injury, menstrual disorders and pregnancy, 

postpartum (puerperal), and to improve physical fitness. In 

the field research, the use of Selaginella as ingredients was 

only found in Java, while it was not found in ten other 

locations (islands) outside Java. 

On the island of Java, the traditional use of Selaginella 

is generally limited in Western Java (West Java and Banten 

provinces). This may be related to the abundance and 

higher diversity than in other parts of this island. This is 

supported by the habitat conditions which are more humid 

with higher rainfall and the level of a relatively higher 

slope as well, thus supporting the life of Selaginella. In 

East Java, the utilization of Selaginella was not found in 

the tribe of Javanese, Madurese, as well as the Tengger. 

In Central Java, precisely in the Dieng plateau, S. opaca 

locally known as pulalata is used to cure wounds, 

menstrual disorders and to increase stamina. The name is 

specifically imposed only on S. opaca, whereas other 

species of Selaginella that grow on one plant site are not 

named pulalata, such as S. remotifolia and S. ciliaris 

(Retz.) Spring. As a drug for injury, pulalata freshly 

cleaned is to be chewed, and then placed on the wound as a 

poultice. Up to now the utilization is relatively limited and 

only used on small wounds, it is still used in case of 

accidents in the field, as first aid until a doctor or a drug is 

found in the nearest warung (small shops). Pulalata is also 

used as medicine for menstrual disorders and for increasing 

endurance, by boiling and eating them as vegetables. 

Besides, one respondent in the Kaliwiro subdistrict, 

Wonosobo stated that S. plana and S. ornata (Hook & 

Grev.) Spring shown to him was useful to strengthen the 

heart, although he did not know the local names of the 

plants, and did not know the procedure of how to use it. 

One respondent in Wonosobo informed that a private 

hospital in Yogyakarta once prescribed herbal remedies, 

'jamu godog', in which one form of simples was S. plana, 

to treat stroke. In Banjarnegara, S. plana was used to 

strengthen the immunity of patients against malaria. On the 

slopes of Mount Lawu, between Central and East Java the 

respondents knew that S. opaca is needed by a company for 

herbal medicine ingredients, but they themselves did not 

know the benefit and did not use them traditionally.

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1 (3): 146-158, November 2009 

Table 2. Utilization of Selaginella medicinal plants through field research and literature review. 

Scientific 

name 

Local 

name 

Location 

Medical uses 

Single/ 

potion 

Dosage 

Preparation 

Nonmedical 

benefits 

References 


S. caudata, - Manokwari - - - - Packaging Field research 

S. ciliaris - Wonosobo - - - - Ornamental Field research 

land cover 

S. involvens Rane MHSNP Wounds, menstruation, fitness, liniment Single/ Raw, As needed - Field research 

herb 

potion cooked, 

baked 

S. opaca Pulalata Dieng, Wounds, menstruation, body fitness Single Poultice/ At - Field research 

Central Java 

cooked sufficiently 

Rane Bogor Wounds, menstruation, post-childbirth Single Raw/ At Vegetable Field research 

cooked sufficiently 

- Mount Lawu Purchased by pharmaceutical 

- - - - Field research 

manufacturers 

S. ornata - Wonosobo Heart disease - - - - Field research 

Rane MHSNP Wounds, menstruation, fitness, liniment Single/ Raw, As needed - Field research 

herb 

potion cooked, 

baked 

S. plana - Wonosobo Heart disease - - - - Field research 

- Wonosobo Stroke Potion Cooked 5-6 - Field research 

handfuls 

- Banjarnegara Tonic for malaria patients - Cooked ½ glass, - Field research 

three times 

a day 

Rane Bogor Injury, menstrual disorders, uterine - Raw/ - Vegetable, Field research 

bleeding, and post-labor tonic 

cooked 

Ornamental 

S. rothertii - Bogor - - - - Ornamental Field research 


S. singalanensis - Wonosobo - - - - Ornamental Field research 

S. willdenowii Rane MHSNP Wounds, menstruation, fitness, liniment 

herb 

Single/ 

potion 

Raw, 

cooked, 

baked 


As needed Vegetable, 

Ornamental 


Selaginella sp.1 - Bogor - - - - Ornamental Field research 


S. argentea - Malaysia, 

Headache and high fever - - - - Ahmad and Raji 1992 

Sabah 

S. asperula - Columbia Wound - - - - Winter and Jansen 

2003 

S. articulate - Columbia Treated to snake bite - - - - Winter and Jansen 

2003 

S. bryopteris - India Anti-inflammatory and cures veneral 

disease 

- - - - Agarwal and Singh 

1999 

S. ciliaris Semerakmerak 

Malaysia, Itchy on skin - Fresh for - - Hanum and Hamza 

Selangor 

lotion 

1999 

S. convoluta - Brazil Uterus illness - - - - - 

S. delicatula - India Gastric illness - - - - Dixit and Bhatt 1974; 

Mathew et al. 1999 

Laos Sedative - - - - ARCBC 2004 

S. doederleinii - Cina Anti-cancer - - - - Lee et al. 1992; Lin et 

al. 1994 

- Korea Anti-cancer - - - - Lee et al. 1992; Lin et 

al. 1994 

- South East - - - - Food ARCBC 2004 

Asia 

supplements 

S. epirrhizos - Guyana Headaches treatment - - - - DeFilipps et al. 2004 

S. exaltata - Columbia Decoction or spleen disease and stomachaches 

- - - - Winter and Jansen 

for a prolonged period 

2003 

S. firmuloides - Vanuatu Post-childbirth - - - - Bourdy and Walter 

1992 

S. fissidentodes - Madagascar Cough - - - - Winter and Jansen 

2003 

S. imbricata - Zambia Not specific - - - - Cunningham 1993 

- Zimbabwe Not specific - - - - Cunningham 1993 

S. intermedia - South East 

Asia 

Decoction for stomach-ache and applied as 

poultice over the whole body for asthma. 


2003


S. involvens - India Life extending - - - - Dixit and Bhatt 1974; 

Sequiera 1998, Khare 

2007 

S. lepidophyll - Mexico Decoction or infusion to treat kidney stone, 

gastric ulcers, diarrhea, rheumatism, 

dyspepsia, cystisis of liver, expulsion of the 

placenta, blood purify 

- - - - Martinez 1961; 

Winter and Jansen 

2003 

S. magnifica, 

Selaginella spp. 

- Indonesia, 

BBBR NP 

Headache and fever, as well as for skin care - - - - Caniago and Siebert 

1998 

S. moellendorffii - China Gonorrhea, bleeding, jaundice, acute - - - - Shi et al. 2009 

hepatitis 

S. myosurus - - Asthma, fever and fatigue - - - - Bouquet et al. 1971 

- Gabon - - - - Cultural Sassen and Wan 2006 

rituals 

S. ornata Rane Indonesia - - - - Ornamental Sastrapradja and 

Afriastini 1985 

- Indonesia, Young leaves are eaten as vegetable and as - - - - Winter and Jansen 

Java depurative or stomachic. 

2003 

S. padangensis - Sumatra, 

Malaya, 

Smoked like tobacco and used as poultice 

for vertigo and treated to toothache 


2003 

Kalimantan, 

S. parkeri - Guyana Treat headaches - - - - DeFilipps et al. 2004 

- Guyana - - - Burned and - van Andel 2000 

lubricate to 

the baby hee 

S. plana - Indonesia Not specified - - - Dish of raw Heyne 1927 

vegetables 

- Indonesia, Bleeding - - - - Uluk et al. 2001 

KM NP 

- Indonesia, Post-childbirth - - - - Harada et al. 2002 

MHSNP 

- Malaysia, Headache and high fever - - - - Ahmad and Raji 1992 

Sabah 

S. pallescens - Columbia Snake bite Winter and Jansen 

2003 

- Mexico Gastro-intestinal disorder Winter and Jansen 

2003 

- Venezuela Decoction as an emmenagogue and diuretic Winter and Jansen 

2003 

S. rupestris - India Tonic, puerperal tonic, sedative - - - Ornamental Khare 2007 

- Sumatra and Decoction as protective medicines after 


Malaysia childbirth 

2003 

S. tamariscina Juan bai Cina Anti cancer, wounds, bleeding, 

hemorrhoids 

PAM 2008; Lee et al. 

1992; Lin et al. 1994 

Keoun 

back 

South Korea Anti-cancer, menstrual pain, bruises, and 

asthma 

- - - - Lee et al. 1992; Lin et 

al. 1994 

- Anti cancer , inhibit gastric cancer Kim 2007 

- Far East Delay the aging process Mamedov 2005 

Rusia 

Pakong Philippine Wounds, bleeding, hemorrhoids - - - Vegetables PAM 2008 

tulog 

- East Asia Advanced cancer - - - - Lee et al. 2009 

- - Blood purify, hematuria, prolapse of the - - - - Carlo et al. 1999 

anus and stanching 

S. tamariscina - - Tonic to prolong life, prevent amenorrhoea, - Boiled - - Khare 2007 

var. pulvinata 

hemorrhoid 

S. uncinata - South China Anti-bacterial, hepatitis, tumors - - - - Ma et al. 2002 

S. wallichii - - Post-childbirth - Boiled - - Khare 2007 

Paku 

merak 

Malaysia, 

Selangor 

Cleaning sputum/cough - Boiled, - - Hanum and Hamza 

1999 

S. wallichii - Sumatra, 

Malaya, 

southern 

Thailand 

Decoction as protective medicines after 

childbirth 

for taking 

bath 


2003 

S. wightii - India Urinary tract infections - - - - Dixit and Bhatt 1974; 

Mathew et al. 1999 

S. willdenowii - - High fever, ashes to rub back pain - Infusion, - - Khare 2007 

and 

burned 

Young leaves are eaten as vegetable and as - - - - Winter and Jansen 

depurative or stomachic. 

2003 


2003 

- Indonesia, 

Java 

- Java Decoction as a protective after childbirth 

and tonic, treating skin disease such as 

itches and ringworm

154 

1 (3): 146-158, November 2009 

- Malaya Given internally as an infusion to treat 

fever and the ashes is used in liniment for 

backache 

Selaginella spp. - Indonesia, 

MHSNP 

Selaginella spp. Rane Indonesia, 

Selaginella spp. Cakar 

ayam 

MHSNP 

Indonesia 


2003 

Wounds - - - - Nasution 1993 

Post-childbirth and menstruation - - - - Setyawan and 

Darusman 2008 

Cancer, respiratory infection, injury, heart Single/ Fresh, - - Dalimartha 1999; 

disorders, urinary infections, broken bones herb dry, 

Wijayakusuma 2004 

and rheumatism 

raw/cook 

ed 

Selaginella spp. - Malaysia Endurance - - - - Batugal et al. 2004 

Selaginella spp. - Sumatra, Counter poison, drug fever, washing blood, - - - - Warintek 2002 

Java menstrual blood purifier, eczema and for 

drug after childbirth 

Note: The plant used as samples are all, especially the leaves. KMNP: Kayan Mentarang National Park, MHSNP: Mount Halimun-Salak 

National Park. BBBR NP: Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park. 

In West Java, the respondents generally knew the 

traditional benefits of rane to treat wounds, menstrual 

disorders, and to improve fitness. In West Java, particularly 

in the lowlands of Bogor, sub-districts such as West Bogor, 

Darmaga, and Ciampea, S. plana. known as rane was used 

as drugs for injury, menstrual disorders and uterine 

bleeding, and post-labor tonic. As a drug for wounds, fresh 

herbs that have been chewed is put on the wound, while for 

other treatment purposes it is used by cooking or eating it 

straight as a vegetable. Meanwhile in the highlands of 

Bogor, for example in the sub-district of Pamijahan, or at 

sub-district Kalapanunggal, Sukabumi, the term rane is 

also used for some other species such as S. willdenowii 

(Desv.) Baker, S. involvens, and S. ornata also used for the 

purpose of treatment as above, besides the ash produced 

from burning dried herbs are used as a liniment to relieve 

stiffness and warm the back. 


Selaginella has been prescribed in traditional medicine 

of China and India, which has been thousands of years old. 

The utilization of these medicinal plants was also done by 

various other cultures, although generally limited to 

specific species. Selaginella can be found in the 

pharmacopoeia in Asia, Africa and Latin America, but not 

found in Europe and North America (Duke et al. 2002). 

The high diversity of species of Selaginella in the first 

three locations is likely to be the cause of this difference in 

the rates of utilization. The intensity of the highest 

utilization was carried out in China, especially for S. 

tamariscina (include var. pulvinata Spring), S. doederleinii, 

Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron, S. uncinata, and S. 

involvens (Chang et al. 2000; Lin et al. 1991; Wang and 

Wang 2001). In India, there were several species of 

Selaginella used as ingredients, such as S. involvens, 

Selaginella rupestris Spring, S. tamariscina var. pulvinata, 

S. wallichii Spring, S. willdenowii and others (Dixit and 

Bhatt 1974; Mathew et al. 1999; Khare 2007). 

Selaginella traditionally used to treat several diseases 

such as: injury, treatment of post-childbirth, cancer, skin 

diseases, headaches, fever, respiratory infections, urinary 

tract infections, menstrual disorders, liver disorders, 

fractures and arthritis. The parts used are all parts of the 

plants, although sometimes they are called only a leaf 

(herb) (Setyawan and Darusman 2008). Its use can be done 

singularly or in combination, fresh or dried, eaten 

immediately or cooked before (Dalimartha 1999; 

Wijayakusuma 2004). These plants are sweet and have 

warm effect (Bensky et al. 2004). 

Nusantara (Malesia). In Nusantara, the utilization of 

Selaginella is still relatively limited. The Javanese 

traditional herbal medicine or jamu, as a traditional 

medicine’s most advanced systems in the region, tends to 

use rhizomes and spices, while the use of herbs and wild 

grasses is more limited. 

In Kalimantan, the Dayaks in the vicinity of Kayan 

Mentarang NP, East Kalimantan using S. plana to treat 

bleeding (Uluk et al. 2001), whereas in the surrounding of 

Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya NP, West Kalimantan, Selaginella 

magnifica Warb and several other species of Selaginella 

are used to treat headaches and fever, as well as for skin 

care (Caniago and Siebert 1998). In Sabah, Malaysia, 

Selaginella argentea (Wall. ex Hook. & Grev.) Spring and 

S. plana are used to treat headaches and high fever (Ahmad 

and Raji 1992). In northern Borneo, the dry leaves of S. 

padangensis Hieron is smoked like tobacco and also used 

as poultice for vertigo and treated to toothache (Winter and 

Jansen 2003). 

In Java, Sundanese people in the surrounding of Mount 

Halimun-Salak NP, West Java, use some species of 

Selaginella to treat wounds, post-childbirth, menstrual 

disorders, and as a tonic (Nasution 1993; Harada et al. 

2002; Setyawan and Darusman 2008). S. plana leaves is 

drunk in decoction as tonic for treatment after childbirth 

(Harada et al. 2002). Selaginella intermedia (BI.) Spring is 

given in decoction for stomach-ache and is applied as 

poultice over the whole body for asthma. In Java, young 

leaves of S. ornata and S. willdenowii are eaten as 

vegetable and also as depurative or stomachic. S. 

willdenowii is also used in decoction as a protective 

medicine after childbirth and as an ingredient of tonic as 

well as to treat skin disease such as itches and ringworm 

(Winter and Jansen 2003). 

In Sumatra and Java, some species of Selaginella are 

used to counter poison, drug fever, washing blood, 

menstrual blood purifier, eczema and for drug after 

childbirth (Warintek 2002). In Sumatra, Kalimantan, and 

Malaya, S. padangensis is used as poultice for vertigo and


treated to toothache. In Sumatra and Malaysia, S. stipulate 

is used in decoction as protective medicines after 

childbirth. In Sumatra, Malaya, and southern Thailand, S. 

wallichii is used in decoction as protective medicines after 

childbirth. In Malaya, S. willdenowii is also given 

internally as an infusion to treat fever and the ashes is used 

in liniment for backache (Winter and Jansen 2003). In 

Kedah, Malaysia, Selaginella is used to increase body 

resistance (Abu-Shamah et al. 2000; Batugal et al. 2004). 

In Papua New Guinea, Selaginella flabellate Spring is 

used to treat headaches and fever (Kambuou 1996). In the 

Philippines, S. tamariscina (pakung tulog) is used to treat 

wounds, bleeding from peptic ulcers or excessive 

menstruation, and hemorrhoids (PAM 2008). In the 

mainlands of Southeast Asia, S. doederleinii is used as 

drugs for various diseases and as dietary supplements, 

while in Laos Selaginella delicatula (Desv. ex Poir.) Alston 

is used to relieve tension (ARCBC 2004). In Indonesia, 

many species of Selaginella is offered in the form of dry 

powder, both local as S. plana and imports from China, in 

particular as S. tamariscina and S. doederleinii. 

China. In China and the neighboring countries, the 

most widely used species is S. tamariscina. The area 

mentioned is the center of distribution of this species, with 

quite thorough distribution, both wild and cultivated plants. 

The checking of Herbarium Bogoriense (BO) collection 

indicates that in Nusantara, S. tamariscina only grows wild 

on the island of Flores, Sulawesi, and the Philippines 

(personal observation), while it may be naturalized from 

cultivated crop in West Kalimantan, which significantly 

has Chinese population. In China, the dry powder of S. 

tamariscina that has been cooked is used for blood clotting. 

Decoction of the dry powder used for amenorrhea orally 

either alone or mixed with some other herbs. For bleeding, 

in the hemorrhoid and in the uterine bleeding, the dry 

powder is mixed with some other plants then boiled for 

drinking. For single use of rectocele (NAS 1975). S. 

tamariscina which contains abundant of amentoflavone has 

been used for the treatment of advanced cancer in 

traditional oriental medicine (Lee et al. 2009), and has been 

used in traditional oriental medicine to blood purify, 

hematuria, prolapse of the anus and stanching (Carlo et al. 

1999). It has also been used as an antioxidant, 

vasorelaxation, anti-HIV and anti-angiogenesis agent (Lee 

et al. 2009). S. tamariscina is the most useful plant 

Selaginella in traditional folk medicine practiced in China, 

Hong Kong, Japan and Korea (But et al. 1997). S. uncinata 

which usually grow in southern China is used to fight 

diseases caused by bacteria, hepatitis infections and 

tumors. S. moellendorffii has been used in traditional 

Chinese folk medicine for treatment of gonorrhea, bleeding, 

jaundice, and acute hepatitis (Shi et al. 2009). S. 

doederleinii has been used for the treatment of 

cardiovascular diseases (Chao et al. 1987; Lin et al. 1994; 

Lu et al. 2004) and an anti tumor herb used for lung, 

nasopharyngeal, and esophageal cancers (Jia 1985) as well 

as hysteromyoma (Huang 1982). 

India. In India, Selaginella involvens, S. rupestris and 

S. tamariscina var. pulvinata are used as tonic to anti 

ageing (Dixit and Bhatt, 1974; Sequiera 1998; Khare 

2007), meanwhile S. delicatula is used to cure bellyache, 

and S. wightii to cure infection of bladder (Dixit and Bhatt 

1974; Mathew et al. 1999). S. rupestris is also used in 

decoction as sedative. S. tamariscina var. pulvinata is used 

in decoction to prevent amenorrhea, hemorrhage effect by 

pile or prolepses of the rectum. S. wallichii is treated in 

decoction to after childbirth. S. willdenowii is used in 

infusion to cure high fever, while its ash is used for 

liniment the backache (Khare, 2007). S. bryopteris is 

treated as anti-inflammatory and cures veneral disease 

(Agarwal and Singh 1999), its usage is also known by local 

indigenous people, such as Songhati people (Singh et al. 

2002). 

Oceania and Asia. In Vanuatu, Selaginella firmuloides 

Warb is used to assist child birth (Bourdy and Walter 

1992). In the eastern part of Russia S. tamariscina is used 

to slow down the aging process (Mamedov 2005). In China 

and South Korea S. doederleinii is used as anticancer drugs 

(Lee et al. 1992; Lin et al. 1994). In South Korea, S. 

tamariscina which traditionally treated as anti cancer is 

significantly proved inhibit gastric cancer as showed in cell 

cycle analysis and other assay (Kim 2007). In Korea, S. 

tamariscina is also used to cure menstrual disorder, bruise, 

and asthma, while in Sri Lanka it is used to cure headache, 

paralysis, and to refuse black magic. S. myosurus is used to 

cure asthma, fever and fatigue (Bouquet et al. 1971). 

Africa. In some African countries, like Zambia and 

Zimbabwe, Selaginella imbricata (Forsk.) Spring ex 

Decaisne is traded as medicinal ingredients that has lead to 

threatening its sustainability in nature (vulnerable, VU) 

(Cunningham 1993; Golding 2002). In Madagascar, S. 

fissidentodes is used for cough (Winter and Jansen 2003). 

Latin America. In Brazil, Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) 

Spring is used to prevent and treat diseases related to 

female reproductive system (de Almeida-Agra and Dantas 

2004). In Guyana, the ashes of Selaginella parkeri (Hook. 

& Grev.) Spring (= Selaginella pedata Klotzsch) is used by 

putting it hard onto the heel of the baby gently that can help 

the baby start walking (van Andel 2000). Selaginella 

parkeri and S. epirrhizos Spring are also used to treat 

headaches (DeFilipps et al. 2004). In Mexico, S. 

lepidophylla is used in decoction or infusion to treat kidney 

stone, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, rheumatism, dyspepsia, 

cystisis of liver, to facilitate the parting and expulsion of 

the placenta, to purify the blood (Martinez 1961; Winter 

and Jansen 2003). In Columbia, S. asperula treat to wound, 

while rhizome of S. exaltata is used in decoction for spleen 

disease and stomach-aches for a prolonged period, while S. 

articulate and S pallescens treat to snake bite. In 

Venezuela, S. pallescens is marketed and used in decoction 

as an emmenagogue and diuretic, while in Mexico, it treat 

to gastro-intestinal disorder (Winter and Jansen 2003). 

Other uses 

Foodstuffs. In Nusantara (Malesia), the utilization of 

Selaginella as food ingredients is very limited. In the field 

research, the use of Selaginella as food (vegetables) is 

found only in West Java, ranging from lowlands of Bogor 

to the area around the mountains of Halimun-Salak. In 

Bogor, species that is consumed in general is only S. plana,

156 

1 (3): 146-158, November 2009 

whereas in the plateau region, S. willdenowii is also 

consumed by people. Heyne (1927) notes that in West 

Java, young buds of S. plana can be eaten as vegetables 

and for medicinal purposes. PAM (2008) notes that in the 

Philippines, young leaves of S. tamariscina can be cooked 

as vegetable. 

Ornamental plants. The utilization of Selaginella as 

an ornamental plant is found in West Java. For example, 

some sellers of ornamental plants in Bogor, including the 

Mekarsari Park at Cileungsi once sold Selaginella sp.1. 

which allegedly was an introduced species as for 

ornamental plants, whereas in the Sringanis Garden and 

Medicinal Plant Garden of Karyasari S. plana and S. 

willdenowii were once sold as medicinal plants. According 

Sastrapradja and Afriastini. 1985, S. ornata is planted in 

Bogor as an ornamental plant, although the stem is easily 

broken, so it must be treated with caution. The field 

research shows that in Kejiwan village, Wonosobo 

subdistrict, Wonosobo district, S. ciliaris was left to grow 

wild or they were planted in cemeteries to cover the surface 

of the soil to avoid scouring of rain urging the growth of 

other weeds, and also to beautify the cemetery. In Bogor 

Botanical Garden, S. rothertii is used as the land cover on 

the part of the collection of Selaginella species. In 

Wonosobo, Selaginella singalanensis Hieron was found as 

a new record with huge potential for land cover crops, 

because it can be grown in the surface of the soil quickly to 

cover the land, and can appear in blue metallic color on 

shaded conditions, such as S. willdenowii. 

According to the author's observation (ADS 2008), 

about 10-15 species Selaginella potential as an ornamental 

plant, and comes from Java, Sumatra, Papua, Lombok and 

Bali, and can grow well in the experiment field in Java 

located in the highlands (Wonosobo, 700-800 m asl) and in 

the lowlands (Bogor, 200-250 m asl), but some species can 

grow well only in the highlands, such as S. opaca and S. 

remotifolia. Some remaining species only grow well in 

lowlands, such as S. rothertii whose seedlings are obtained 

from the Bogor Botanical Gardens and Bogor Agricultural 

University at Darmaga Campus. S. rothertii is an endemic 

plant of West Java, which is generally easily found in 

lowland that is moist and open, but there are also variants 

found in the highland. Observations of Selaginella 

collections of Herbarium Bogoriense indicate that this 

species ever found wild in Cibodas Botanical Gardens and 

the Puncak area in general. One species, i.e. S. willdenowii 

is endemic in western Java, grown naturally from Banten 

eastward to Mount Slamet, it grows well in Wonosobo, 

Central Java, but cannot beat the growth of other species, 

and on the contrary it grows dominant species in the 

experimental garden of Bogor. This plant has a bluish 

appearance that very attractive for ornamental plants. 

Selaginella is very attractive as an ornamental plant leaves, 

given his appearance can be quite diverse. In one species, 

sometimes there are various shapes and shades of leaves, 

for example S. ornata, so that in the past this species was 

divided into several species. Khare (2007) states that in 

India, S. rupestris is used as an ornamental plant. 

Crafts materials. According to de Winter and Jansen 

(2003) reported several species of Selaginella can be used 

as craft material. But in this field of research such a thing is 

not found and no support from also other libraries. One 

reason possibly because the habit of Selaginella tend to be 

brittle and easily broken. Some species are thought to have 

high chemical levels even curl when dried and not suitable 

for crafting, such as S. involvens. 

Socio-cultural (traditional). In Gabon, Selaginella 

myosurus (Sw.) Alston is used for rituals or for other 

cultural aspects (Sassen and Wan 2006). There are no 

records for the utilization of Selaginella for the purpose of 

customs in Nusantara. Field observations in several batik 

shops and museums in Solo, and visits to the library palace 

of Solo kingdoms did not find any real pattern designs 

inspired from Selaginella, although there are some designs 

that are inspired from other ferns. 

Other utilization. Other utilization, i.e. as food 

wrappers is found in Manokwari, West Papua. In these 

locations there are several species of leafy Selaginella that 

is wide enough to be used to wrap the sago, fruits, or other 

crops from the forest or fields. 

Medicinal benefit of Selaginella gives opportunity for 

commercial effort. In Southeast Asia a wide variety of drug 

materials is exported and imported; Selaginella are bought 

and sold as drugs, and used either alone or sometimes, 

mixed. In Indonesia, several Selaginella is marketed as dry 

herbs or dry powder, both local species such as S. plana 

and S. willdenowii, and imported species, especially S. 

tamariscina and S. doederleinii. In Bangkok, Thailand 

imported S. tamariscina is widely marketed in traditional 

medicinal shops (Nitta et al. 1980). In Zambia and 

Zimbabwe, wild collection of S. imbricata threats the 

sustainability in nature (Cunningham 1993; Golding 2002). 

In Mexico, the popularity of S. lepidophylla has been 

resulted in legislation to regulate collection from the wild 

(Winter and Jansen 2003). 

CONCLUSION 

Selaginella has been used traditionally to treat wounds 

and bleeding such as menstruation, uterine disorders and 

other internal injuries. It is also used as a tonic to improve 

fitness and to expand life span. Several species of Selaginella 

are also used as food (raw vegetables), ornamental plants, 

handicrafts materials as well as socio-cultural and 

packaging materials. The utilization of Selaginella is very 

limited compared to the number of species and the 

potential benefits of the medicine, so it requires further 

ethnobotanical and phytochemical researches. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The author like to thank the colleagues who have sent 

herbarium materials, living materials and ethnobotanical 

data of Selaginella from outside Java, namely: Perdani C. 

Wijaya (Jayapura), Yohanes Y. Rahawarin (State 

University of Papua, Manokwari), Maya Papuangan 

(Hairun University, Ternate), Dr. Arrijani (Manado State 

University), Julius Kinho (Forestry Research Institute,


Manado), Nur Indah Julisaniah and I Gede Mertha 

(Mataram University), Hartutiningsih M. Siregar (Bali 

Botanical Gardens), Nur Anis Hidayati (State University of 

Bangka Belitung), as well as Dr. Djufri (Syiah Kuala 

University, Banda Aceh). The author also gratefully thanks 

Ajis Sanjaya (Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Bitung), Edi 

Junaedi (Kuningan University), and Andik Wijayanto 

(Bogor Agricultural University) who help to collect 

materials in Java. The author also thanks the Herbarium 

Bogoriense which has given the opportunity to observe the 

collection for this research. 

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