Liverwort Species Research Articles

Hepatics from Rovno amber (Ukraine). 14. Lejeunea aristovii sp. nov. and Odontoschisma dimorphafrom Belokorovychi

A study of Rovno amber has revealed two fossil leafy liverwort species of the genera Lejeunea and Odontoschisma (Marchantiophyta), which are new to the late Eocene flora of Rovno amber. One of these species, Odontoschisma dimorpha, is known from Baltic and Bitterfeld amber, whereas the other species, Lejeunea aristovii, is described here as new. Lejeunea aristovii differs from the most similar Paleogene species of that family, Cheilolejeunea latiloba, in the shape of its leaves and underleaves.

Characterization of nuclear microsatellites in Marchantia polymorpha (liverwort) with additional trans-specific analyses.

Microsatellites are present in mitochondria, chloroplast, and nuclear DNA, but nuclear microsatellites are more useful genetic tools than those in plastids or mitochondria. Plastid and mitochondrial microsatellites have been identified in the model plant Marchantia polymorpha (liverwort), but no laboratory has published information on nuclear microsatellite loci. The aim of this study was to detect novel nuclear markers in the most commonly employed liverwort species, design PCR primers that would allow amplification, and characterize the subsequently generated loci. We detected 18 polymorphic nuclear loci in M. polymorpha, amplifiable by PCR across all chromosomes. Additionally, trans-specific amplification of the eighteen loci was characterized in the closely related taxa Marchantia emarginata and Marchantia paleacea. All loci were present in M. paleacea, whereas 17 of 18 primer pairs were amplified in M. emarginata.

Contribution to the flora of the Chersky National Park (Magadan Region)

The findings of two vascular plant species new to the Magadan Region and the north of the Russian Far East (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Cypripedium calceolus L.), new localities of Triglochin maritima L., and a new locality of a rare liverwort species (Bucegia romanica Radian) in the Chersky National Park are reported. The Omulevsky cluster of the national park is interesting for its calcareous flora, which is supplemented by findings of Cypripedium calceolus and Bucegia romanica. These species are protected at the federal level. The genus Arctostaphylos is new to the Magadan Region. The isolated locality of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi in the Omulevskaya Lowland is the easternmost in Eurasia, located 600–760 km or more from the nearest known localities in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and Khabarovsk Territory. In the southern part of the Chersky Ridge, Triglochin maritima was known earlier from the herbarium specimens collected near Darpir Lake located in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

БИОРАЗНООБРАЗИЕ ПЕЧЕНОЧНИКОВ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОГО КАВКАЗА (В ПРЕДЕЛАХ КАБАРДИНО-БАЛКАРИИ)

It is known that the taxonomic diversity of liverworts in mountainous areas is characterized by high values. De- spite the considerable period of studies of this group in the Caucasus, in the Central Caucasus, and in particular in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, the issues concerning the biodiversity of liverworts remain one of the less studied, rela- tive to other regions of the country. In this paper we analyzed the biotopic diversity of hepaticoflora of the Central Caucasus in the Elbrus and Tersk belt variants on the basis of literature data and herbarium material from the Insti- tute of Ecology of Mountain Territories named after A.K. Tembotov of the Russian Academy of Sciences. A.K. Tembotov RAS. In the Terek variant, sample collection sites: the vicinity of Nalchik (500 m), the vicinity of Belaya Rechka settlement (800 m), the vicinity of Karasu village (1200–1300 m), the area of Golubye Lakes (1000 m), and the Cherek-Bezenga gorge (2800 m). Collection and processing of herbarium material were carried out according to standard methods of studying mosses. The material for the Elbrus variant came from the Chegem Gorge (1100–1300 m), the National Park “Elbrusie” (NPP) near the Elbrus settlement, as well as from the Adyl-su, Irik-chat, Adyr-su gorges, the Narzan Glade area (1800–2600 m), and the northern slopes of Cheget (2700–3100 m). As a result of this work it was revealed that in the Elbrus variant of the belt the higher diversity of liverworts is observed in the conditions of the Adylsu Gorge, while in the Terek variant – Bezenghi Gorge. The lowest spe- cies diversity of hepaticoflora in the Elbrus variant is observed in the Irik-Chat Gorge, and in the Terek variant – in the vicinity of Nalchik. Protected species of liverworts included in the Red Data Book of KBR (2018) were recorded both in the Elbrus (6 species) and Terek variant (5 species) of the belt of the Central Caucasus. Frullania parvistipula, Cololejeunea calcarean, Isopaches decolorans, Liochlaena subulata were recorded in the protected areas of both variants. Scapania warty and Scapania swissiana are found only in the Elbrus variant (Irik-Chat Gorge), and Luunularia cruciformis is recorded only in the Terek variant of the belt.

Liverwort (Marchantiophyta) and Hornwort (Anthocerotophyta) Flora of Yenice District (Çanakkale): New Floristic Findings from the Northern Part of Mount Ida (Kaz Dağı)

The Yenice district of Çanakkale stands out due to its diverse land features, being part of the Kaz Dağı (Mount Ida), its expansive coniferous and deciduous forests, and its potential for high biological diversity and endemism. It also provides highly suitable habitats for liverworts. However, the absence of legally protected areas highlights the need for a detailed assessment of the region's biodiversity. Liverworts are key components of floristic biological richness. Nevertheless, studies on the liverwort flora in both Çanakkale province and Yenice district are quite limited. Based on these considerations, this study aimed to investigate the liverwort flora of the Yenice district. During the study, a total of 295 liverwort specimens were collected from 74 different sites representative of the district’s various regions. The collected specimens were identified using appropriate methods and preserved as herbarium material. As a result of the study, 29 liverwort species from 17 families and 1 hornwort species were identified from the area. Of the identified species, 7 taxa are new records for the B6 grid square according to Henderson’s grid system (1961), and 13 taxa are new records for Çanakkale province.

A genome assembly for the California endemic liverwort Calasterella californica.

Calasterella californica belongs to a monotypic genus of liverworts endemic to the west coast of North America, primarily distributed in California. This dioicous species occurs in a variety of ecosystems from deserts to redwood forest; little is known about how this species is adapted to live in those seemingly contrasting environments. In this paper, we report the assembly of the nuclear genome of Calasterella californica. As part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), we used Pacific Biosciences HiFi long-read sequencing data to produce a de novo assembly that consists of 772 contigs, with a total length of 517 Mbp and a BUSCO complete score of 95%. C. californica is only the sixth species of liverworts - a group with more than 7200 described species - to have a nuclear reference genome. The availability of this reference genome will facilitate the study of the unique features of C. californica and other liverworts, pave the road towards a comparative understanding of liverwort genomes, and add an important starting point for studies of the geographic variation of this species within the CCGP project.

The Liverworts Family Plagiochilaceae In Bukit Barisan Forest Park, North Sumatra

Bukit Barisan Forest Park at Karo Regency, North Sumatra is a habitat for many species of liverworts, one of them is Plagiochilaceae. However little information about species of Plagiochilaceae reported from the area. This study aims to identify the species of Plagiochilaceae and describe their morphology. The research was conducted from July 2021 to February 2022. All species of the Plagiochilaceae were collected using the explorative method, by tracking along the research area. Nine species of Plagiochilaceae were found belonging to one genera Plagiochila. The species found were P. arbuscula, P. bantamensis, P. dendroides, P. denticulata, P. obtusa, P. salacensis, P. sciophila, P. sumatrana, P. ungarangana

Phylogenetic structure of liverwort assemblages along an elevational gradient in the tropical Andes: geographic patterns and climatic drivers

Liverworts are an ancient plant lineage that occurs worldwide with the highest species richness in cool and humid habitats such as tropical montane and temperate rain forests. It has been proposed that liverworts originated under such temperate climatic conditions and have later expanded into more tropical conditions, but how this is reflected in their phylogenetic diversity along the strong climatic gradients associated with elevation remains unexplored. We studied the phylogenetic diversity of regional liverwort floras along the elevational gradient in the tropical Andes, comparing indices that emphasize deeper and shallower phylogenetic relationships, and relating these to temperature‐ and precipitation‐related variables, as well as to climatic extremes and seasonality. We found that whereas liverwort species richness peaks at around 2000 m a.s.l., richness‐corrected phylogenetic diversity increases with elevation, and the standardized effect of size of phylogenetic diversity is highest at 2500–4000 m a.s.l. This is in accordance with an origin of liverworts under cool conditions, followed by more recent diversification in warmer climates at lower elevations. We further found temperature‐related climatic parameters to be stronger predictors of phylogenetic diversity of liverworts than precipitation‐related variables, and climatic extremes to have a stronger influence than climatic seasonality. We interpret these patterns as reflecting the physiological challenges of adapting to low temperatures as well as rare occurrences of extreme climatic events. All this reveals a strong signal of the evolutionary dynamics of this ancient plant lineage linked with its physiological adaptations to climatic conditions. The age of this group and its poikilohydric nature, i.e. its inability to regulate water loss, lead to patterns that contrast with those of vascular plants, allowing for discerning evolutionary generalities that are independent of physiology and lineage age.

Orchestration of phosphate homeostasis by the ITPK1-type inositol phosphate kinase in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.

Land plants have evolved sophisticated sensing mechanisms and signalling pathways to adapt to phosphate-limited environments. While molecular players contributing to these adaptations in flowering plants have been described, how non-vascular bryophytes regulate phosphate (Pi) homeostasis remained largely unknown. In this study, we present findings that both male and female plants of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha respond to altered phosphate availability through substantial developmental changes. We show that the second messenger inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs) respond more quickly to changes in cellular Pi status than the lower inositol phosphates, highlighting a functional relationship between PP-InsP and Pi homeostasis in M. polymorpha. To further corroborate the possible involvement of PP-InsP in Pi homeostasis, we characterized M. polymorpha INOSITOL (1,3,4) TRIPHOSPHATE 5/6 KINASE1 (MpITPK1) that phosphorylates InsP6 to generate InsP7 both in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with the role of PP-InsPs in Pi homeostasis, M. polymorpha lines with enhanced MpITPK1 expression leading to the accumulation of 5-InsP7 and an InsP8 isomer exhibit altered expression of phosphate starvation induced (PSI) genes and display attenuated responses to low phosphate. The characterization of MpPHO1-deficient plants with dramatically increased levels of 1,5-InsP8 further supports the role of PP-InsP in Pi homeostasis in this liverwort species. Notably, our study unveiled that MpITPK1 rescues the deregulated Pi homeostasis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ITPK1-deficient plants, suggesting that liverwort and eudicots share a functional ITPK1 homolog. In summary, our study provides insights into the regulation of Pi homeostasis by ITPK1-derived PP-InsPs in M. polymorpha.

Addition to the liverwort flora (Marchantiophyta) of Arunachal Pradesh, India

The present study identified 20 liverwort species from Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, marking the first ever documentation of bryophytes from the region. The specimens were collected from various locations within the study area and subsequently brought to the laboratory. Micromorphological and anatomical characteristics of the specimens were analysed and identified by consulting relevant literatures. Three species, viz. Plagiochila himalayana Schiffn., P. khasiana Mitt., and Solenostoma lanigerum (Mitt.) Váňa & D.G.Long, are newly reported for the first time from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The species were found to be an integral part of ecosystem growing in association with various plant species, providing soil stability, and shelter for other organisms. The study is important for understanding bryophyte diversity and ecosystem health of the region. In addition, it will also help in planning conservation strategy and sustainable management of bryophytes, their habitat or host species and the overall biodiversity in the region.

DWARF27 and CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 7 genes regulate release, germination and growth of gemma in Marchantia polymorpha.

Strigolactones (SLs), a class of carotenoid-derived hormones, play a crucial role in flowering plants by regulating underground communication with symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) and controlling shoot and root architecture. While the functions of core SL genes have been characterized in many plants, their roles in non-tracheophyte plants like liverworts require further investigation. In this study, we employed the model liverwort species Marchantia polymorpha, which lacks detectable SL production and orthologs of key SL biosynthetic genes, including CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 8 (CCD8) and MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 1 (MAX1). However, it retains some SL pathway components, including DWARF27 (D27) and CCD7. To help elucidate the function of these remaining components in M. polymorpha, knockout mutants were generated for MpD27-1, MpD27-2 and MpCCD7. Phenotypic comparisons of these mutants with the wild-type control revealed a novel role for these genes in regulating the release of gemmae from the gemma cup and the germination and growth of gemmae in the dark. Mpd27-1, Mpd27-2, and Mpccd7 mutants showed lower transcript abundance of genes involved in photosynthesis, such as EARLY LIGHT INDUCED (ELI), and stress responses such as LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT (LEA) but exhibited higher transcript levels of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTORS (ERFs) and SL and carotenoid related genes, such as TERPENE SYNTHASE (TS), CCD7 and LECITHIN-RETINAL ACYL TRANSFERASE (LRAT). Furthermore, the mutants of M. polymorpha in the SL pathway exhibited increased contents of carotenoid. This unveils a previously unrecognized role for MpD27-1, MpD27-2 and MpCCD7 in controlling release, germination, and growth of gemmae in response to varying light conditions. These discoveries enhance our comprehension of the regulatory functions of SL biosynthesis genes in non-flowering plants.

К флоре печеночников полуостровов Рыбачий и Средний (Мурманская область).

As part of the study of the flora of the Regional Natural Park “Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas”, 20 species of liverworts were recorded that had not previously been found for these peninsulas. Among the newly discovered species is Eremonotus myriocarpus, a species listed in the Red Book of the Murmansk region and two species that are threatened in Europe (Moerckia blyttii, Lophoziopsis rubrigemma). Taking into account the latest taxonomic changes and new records, the flora of liverworts of the Rybachy and Sredny peninsulas counts now 111 species.

Additions to the Flora of Mount Abu in Rajasthan

The present paper gives the occurrence, distribution and habitat of 45 species of plants not reported by earlier workers from Mt. Abu area, comprising 41 species of Angiosperms (excluding Gramineae), 3 species of ferns and 1 species of liverwort. Some of these plants are common to the Himalayas and the hills of south India. Rumex crispus Linn. has been recorded for the first time in India.

New Records for the Bryophyte Flora of Vietnam, 5

In November 1998, guided by Prof. Trấn Ninh we revisited the Tam Đảo mountain range, extensively researched by him before. Since than it was converted into a National Park, with areas stretching to three provinces, Vĩnh Phúc, Thái Nguyên, and Tuyên Quang. The previous collections indicated that many more novelties can be expected from there. As a result, we collected 38 epiphyllous liverwort species. Among these 6 were new to the flora of Vietnam: Cololejeunea fructu-marginata, C. papillosa, C. spathulifolia, Colura bisvoluta, Lejeunea dipterota and Microlejeunea sechuanensis. One species is new to science: Cololejeunea dinhensis. Furthermore, Cololejeunea rotundilobula proved to be a new synonym of Cololejeunea sigmoidea.

Hepatics from Rovno amber (Ukraine). 12. Jubula polessica sp. nov.

Hepatics from Rovno amber (Ukraine). 12. Jubula polessica sp. nov.

Bryophytes of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Context Although the vascular flora of Western Australia is renowned for high species diversity and endemism, very little is known about the state’s moss and liverwort flora. Aims In 1984 we conducted surveys of bryophytes in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods We searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on the Reserve, collecting voucher specimens subsequently identified with modern literature and with the help of Australian bryophyte experts. We updated the text to reflect modern taxonomy and considering modern literature on phytogeography and hypotheses associated with OCBIL (Old, Climatically Buffered, Infertile Landscapes) theory. Key results A total of 38 species of mosses representing 25 genera from 13 families were identified along with 10 species of liverworts representing nine genera and six families. Two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) were previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic genus, family, and order. The Pottiaceae, with 11 species, was the most diverse family of mosses. The Lepidoziaceae, with three species, was the most diverse family of liverworts. Conclusions Lower levels of endemism in bryophytes versus vascular plants may reflect the bryophytes’ capacity for wide and long-distance dispersal of spores and fragments. Bryophyte diversity and endemism may be less than on extensive OCBILs because much of the Reserve emerged from the ocean as recently as the mid-Pleistocene. Implications This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in WA, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of mosses and liverworts.

Hepatics from Rovno amber (Ukraine). 11. Radula oblongifolia and R. tikhomirovae sp. nov.

A study of Rovno amber has revealed two fossil leafy liverwort species of the genus Radula (Radulaceae, Marchantiophyta) that are new to the late Eocene flora of Rovno amber. One of these species, R. oblongifolia, was described previously from Eocene Baltic and Bitterfeld amber, whereas the other species, R. tikhomirovae, is described here as new. Radula tikhomirovae differs from R. oblongifolia and two other Eocene species of that genus, R. sphaerocarpoides and R. baltica, by the presence of microphyllous branches and by the shape of its leaf lobules.

Asterella africana (Mont.) Underw. ex A. Evans, rediscovered in Italy

Asterella africana is a thalloid liverwort species, which is very rare in Europe and up to now reported in Italy only from Sardinia and based on an old specimen collected by De Notaris and kept in the Herbarium of the Muséum d‘Histoire Naturelle in Paris (PC). In this article, we report the finding of this species in Sicily. Notes on taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and conservation status are provided.

The MOVECLIM - AZORES project: Bryophytes from Pico Island along an elevation gradient.

In September 2012, a comprehensive survey of Pico Island was conducted along an elevational transect, starting at Manhenha (10 m a.s.l.) and culminating at the Pico Mountain caldera (2200 m a.s.l.). The primary objective was to systematically inventory the bryophytes inhabiting the best-preserved areas of native vegetation environments. Twelve sites were selected, each spaced at 200 m elevation intervals. Within each site, two 10 m x 10 m plots were established in close proximity (10-15 m apart). Within these plots, three 2 m x 2 m quadrats were randomly selected and sampled for bryophytes using microplots measuring 10 cm x 5 cm, which were then collected into paper bags. Six substrates were surveyed in each quadrat: rock, soil, humus, organic matter, tree bark and leaves/fronds. Three replicates were obtained from all substrates available and colonised by bryophytes, resulting in a maximum of 18 microplots per quadrat, 54 microplots per plot, 108 microplots per site, and a total of 1296 microplots across the 12 sites on Pico Island. Two-thirds of the maximum expected number of microplots (n = 878; 67.75%) were successfully collected, yielding a total of 4896 specimens. The vast majority (n = 4869) were identified at the species/subspecies level. The study identified a total of 70 moss and 71 liverwort species or subspecies. Elevation levels between 600-1000 m a.s.l., particularly in the native forest plots, exhibited both a higher number of microplots and greater species richness. This research significantly enhanced our understanding of Azorean bryophyte diversity and distribution, contributing valuable insights at both local and regional scales. Notably, two new taxa for the Azores were documented during the MOVECLIM study, namely the pleurocarpous mosses Antitrichiacurtipendula and Isotheciuminterludens.

Red-list of liverwort and hornwort species of Serbia: 2024 assessment

The new extinction risk assessments of hornwort and liverwort species of Serbia have been completed. Based on the available data, 40% of Serbian liverwort flora is under threat (status 2024). Additionally, 11% of Serbian liverwort flora is considered to be Data Deficient (DD) 11% Near Threatened (NT). These findings clearly indicate the urgent need for field investigation and species biology research in order to define the major threats and adequate conservation measures.