Ragged-leaf liverwort is a widely-distributed liverwort of forests and bogs. The Encyclopedia of Life entry for Schistochilopsis incisa (now a synonymous name) displays a map with collections across the Northern Hemisphere from Arctic regions to near the equator in South America. It also uses the common name jagged notchwort.
Pictured in today’s photographs are the leaves of this leafy liverwort. For a photograph of the spore-generating sporophytes, see Tab Tannery’s image: Lophozia incisa. Liverworts have similar life cycles to mosses: a relatively large gametophyte (or gamete-producing generation) produces gametes. After fertilization, these become a “parasitic” sporophyte physically and physiologically supported by the gametophyte. The UBC Bryology course (Biology 321) has an introduction to liverwort morphology and reproduction, with an emphasis on how liverworts differ from mosses.
The British Bryological Society’s Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland also has a field guide account of Lophozia incisa (PDF), highlighting some of the key features.
That British Bryological Society Field Guide looks like an excellent resource. The key with drawings seems like it would be very helpful.
To me this is an attractive picture. But I’m not in the educational realm the rest of you are. 🙂
This website is an education in itself; I especially love the “Botany Photo of the Day”. I wish that the proper pronunciation of the scientific name would also be given. That way, I could pronounce it properly, even if only to myself!
Thank you Diane.
That wish is addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions.
I think it best to think Italian for the rhythm of the botanical name – and remember to wave your hands around. The letter sounds should be those you find most pleasing.
LofOZya insEYESer