Liverwort Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1): 0.2 x 2.5 x 3 cm (1/16 x 1 x 1 3/16 in.) .2): 0.2 x 2.3 x 2.2 cm (1/16 x 7/8 x 7/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.5.1-.2

DescriptionTwo small clumps of Radula complanate [Linnaeus] Dum. liverwort, light green coloured with textured, uneven surface, each vaguely circular in shape. Short leaves are a variety of shapes including thin and hair-like, and thick and rectangular shaped. The base of each is dark brown with remnants of a woody surface.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Hepatophyta
Class: Jungermanniopsida
Order: Jungermanniales
Family: Radulaceae
Genus: Radula
Species: Radula complanate

Narrative

Collected July 25, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Pratt Road, Southampton, Kings County, PEI (46°22'39.96"N, 62°33'49.98"W. Datum: NAD83). Found growing in substrate at the base of fagus (beech tree), 14 dbh (diameter at breast height).

Radula complanate [Linnaeus] Dum. is a common, leafy-liverwort, recognized by its compicate-bilobed leaves with large, rounded dorsal lobes and small angular ventral ones. The dorsal leaves often have small lobules at the margins that turn into gemmae (a cell, or cells, which develop into a new individual. A type of asexual propagation). Radula complanate is distinct due to the small clusters of rhizoids limited to the ventral surface of ventral leaf lobes, as well as the lack of underleaves along the stem.

It is commonly found growing on the bark of hardwood trees in mature forests. It is less commonly found on vertical cliff-faces, growing on boulders, or on rotting logs. Geographically, it can be found in Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle America, North America, Oceania, South America, Southern Asia & Norther Asia, excluding China.

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