Selaginella tamariscina; spikemoss
A species of spikemoss native to East Asia, often used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant. The Japanese name literally means 'rock cypress leaf'.
Iwahiwa is a fern ally that grows on rocks and is drought-tolerant.
In Kampo medicine, iwahiwa is sometimes used to stop bleeding.
シダ is the general term for ferns, while イワヒバ is a specific species of spikemoss.
クラマゴケ is another spikemoss species (Selaginella remotifolia), similar in appearance but a different plant.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in practice. It but marks the word is listed as usually written in kana.
Alternate kanji spelling; also rare. Included for reference.
The name イワヒバ (岩檜葉) literally means 'rock cypress leaf', referring to its habitat and the resemblance of its leaves to those of the cypress tree. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.