|
Metzgeria is a genus of thalloid liverworts often found
growing on trees, twigs and on the leaves of other plants. Some
species produce gemmae on the sides of the thallus or on the upper
thallus surface. The sporophytes of Metzgeria develop from
the underside of the thallus.
Tasmania has around 6 species of Metzgeria, some
distinguishable only by the number of cells overlying the midrib on
the ventral side of the thallus. The usefulness of this character
has been a matter of contention and the taxonomy of some species is
still uncertain.
M. furcata appears to be the most common species and may
constitute more than one species, depending on the taxonomic
authority followed.
M.
saccata is probably the most distinctive species, with the thallus forming a series
of sacs.
|
