''Conocephalum conicum'', also known as the great scented liverwort or snakeskin liverwort, is a liverwort species in the genus '' Conocephalum''. ''C. conicum'' is part of the ''Conocephalum conicum'' complex, which includes several cryptic species. The name ''C. conicum'' refers to the cone-shaped archegoniaphore, which bear sporangia.

Habitat and distribution

''C. conicum'' is one of the most common liverworts in northern hemisphere and is widely distributed throughout Canada. ''C. conicum'' is found in open woodlands, sandy banks, wet rocks or cliffs and moist soils and is strongly associated with calcareous substrates.

Morphology

Thalli

''C. conicum'' is the largest of the thalloid liverworts, growing up to 20 cm long. The thalli can grow to 17 mm wide. The thalli are very strong-smelling, with purplish margins; a dark green, leathery surface; flat and smooth. There is a set of lines running along the thalli's surface. The air pores, which are found between the lines, are more conspicuous.

Reproductive structures

Male plants bear unstalked, terminal cushions. Female plants have terminal conical receptacles on stalks, which are shortly lobed.

Relationships with fungi

''C. conicum'' has been associated with some species of

fungi A fungus (plural, : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of Eukaryote, eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and Mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified ...

. These fungi form a highly branched

mycelium Mycelium (plural mycelia) is a root-like structure of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Fungal colonies composed of mycelium are found in and on soil and many other substrates. A typical single spore germinates in ...

outside of the plant which then colonize the outside of the rhizoids and pass into the gametophyte.

References

External links

* {{Taxonbar, from=Q476335 Marchantiales Flora of North America