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The Lepicoleaceae is represented by a single species, Lepicolea
scolopendra in Tasmania. L. scolopendra is a handsome
pinnately lobed liverwort, especially when it forms well developed
clumps on trees. The shoot apices often bent away from the
substrate, giving it a distinctive look. In subalpine areas, L.
scolopendra is often found on boulders, assuming a form with shorter shoots.
The habit and colour of the species is often sufficient to
distinguish it. Less well developed specimens may be mistaken for
Lepidozia ulotrix but the narrow bilobed leaves (each lobe
further divided into two teeth) of Lepicolea
scolopendra are unmistakable. Microscopically also, the very
thick-walled cells are unlike anything else.
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