Liverworts

[fredg]

I'm definitely getting more intereested in Bryophytes. I've already posted a few Lichens so here is a Liverwort, a very very old family of non-flowering plants. This is Marchantia polymorpha which is pretty common here in the UK. I have concentrated on the gemmae pots.





The gemmae are easily distributed by rain drops. Some can be seen that have already been washed out of the 'pots'

[fredg]

A Liverwort photographed in Scotland on Xmas day which is I believe Lunularia cruciata

[fredg]

This plant does key out as Lunularia cruciata, the crescent shaped gemmae pot is shown to the right and centre frame there are several loose gemmae evident.

[fredg]

Marchantia polymorpha showing gemmae pots still with their covers on.

[stevebooth]

lovely pictures Fred, I struggle these days to see fine detail so seeing these is a bit of an eye opener, here's me thinking they were just annoying green bumps, when they are quite beautiful in their own right. Your skill and camera do you credit.

Steve

[fredg]

Thank you Steve, I try.

[fredg]

Marchantia polymorpha flaunting its male sexual organs, the antheridia.

[fredg]

A small portion of a colony of Conocephalum conicum spotted on a visit to the Scottish Borders. The thallus on this is huge compared to the ones above.

[fredg]

I shot this today on the river Meden in Pleasley Vale. I identified three species in a very short distance.

[fredg]

I returned to Pleasley Vale this morning and continued a little way further down stream until the path veered away from the river. I found a further three thalloid species but unfortunately I was unable to photograph them in situ as my position in each case was a little precarious. I retained some small samples by reaching down around corners and will grow them on to aid and/or confirm ID. One I was happy to label up as Conocephalum salebrosum which I found in a dry ditch next to an old stone wall. The other two are as yet unidentified although I suspect one is a Pellia, probably P. epiphylla which will need to be confirmed. The Pellia can be a little difficult to get to species level.
These add to Marchantia polymorpha, Conocephalum conicum and Lunularia cruciata from the visit in the video.

[fredg]

Conocephalum salebrosum as described above.




One of my Marchantia polymorpha is starting ton flaunt it's female bits.

Marchantia polymorpha archegoniophore

[fredg]

The three species of Liverwort that I've so far found in Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick, starting from the waterfall of the Cala Burn downstream.
Lunularia cruciata inhabits the section nearest to the waterfall and then it's the turn of Conocephalum conicum. The latter covers a larger expanse on both sides of the burn, slowly petering out as the terrain opens out and overhead cover decreases. Marchantia polymorpha is the furthest downstream and is in the most open situation, occupying a flat area just to the side of the burn but not actually on its banks.
Finally a bonus Lichen that shouted at me as I returned to the car.