Spike mosses are small, non-flowering plants that belong to the group known as lycophytes. They are characterized by their unique, scale-like leaves and their ability to reproduce through spores rather than seeds. Spike mosses thrive in moist, shaded environments, often found in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants are important for their role in ecosystems, helping to prevent soil erosion and providing habitat for various organisms. Unlike true mosses, spike mosses have a more complex structure and can be distinguished by their distinctive spore-producing cones, which resemble spikes, hence their name.