Explosive spore dispersal of Selaginella kraussiana

Videos showing the explosive spore dispersal of the reproductive structures (strobili) in the lycophyte Selaginella kraussiana. In several instances in this dataset, microsporangia under desiccating conditions can be seen to firstly dehisce, exposing the microspores. This is then followed by the strobili mechanically ejecting the entire sporangium, resulting in an explosive projectile spore dispersal mechanism. This type of spore dispersal in lycophytes has been noted previously in the literature (Koller & Scheckler, 1986 https://doi.org/10.2307/2444062), but to our knowledge this is the first time that it has been recorded on video. Here, we deposit the full unedited videos. Videos are taken using a VHX-7000 Keyence light microscope.