If you have ever read about non -vascular plants, you probably know, or at least they sound about something, liver plants. They are much less numerous and popular briophytes plants than mosses, which are much more colorful and easy to see. However, these small and primitive plants deserve their part of recognition.
If you want to learn more about this interesting botany theme, accompany us in this ecology article in which we talk in detail about What are liver plants, their characteristics, types and examples.
What are liver plants – definition
As we have just said, the first thing that must be mentioned of the liver is that they belong to the BRIOPHITE PLANTS CLASSbeing Non -vascular plantsthat is, without a vascular system that is responsible for transporting and conduction of nutrients and substances internally.
They are also called Hepaticophytas, Marchantiophytas either Hepaticae, although the usual thing is to call them simply liver. They receive their name from the resemblance that some of these small plants keep with the kidney, which is why they were used in the Middle Ages to treat the ailments of this organ.
We recommend you consult this other post about the briophyte plants: examples and characteristics if you want to expand the information on this topic.
Characteristics of liver plants
These are the main characteristics of liver plants:
- Hepatic are reduced size plants, with heights of no more than 10 cm and that rarely reach 20 mm thick.
- Its life cycle alternates haploid and diploid generations, being the diploid generation of great importance, but very short life.
- Most of them need Very humid environments Already the shadow, as generally occurs in the bryophytes, although there are some species of liver capable of resisting direct solar incidence and long -term droughts.
- Among the most notable characteristics of Parts of liver plantswe find the fact that your Rizoidsthe structures with which they are fixed to the surfaces are formed by a single cell.
- In addition, the Hepatic sporophyteswhich are responsible for creating spores, are not able to perform photosynthesis, being their only utility to continue with the reproductive and vital cycle of the plant.
- For the rest, they are formed by the rhizoid, already mentioned, and by filidiums and caudilies, the latter called talos in their specific case.
- The reproduction of liver plants It consists of one sexual stage and an asexual stage. In the sexual part, the plant produces archegonians and antermedies, its female and male sexual organs, when it is in optimal environmental conditions. The anterozoid the anteride, which fertilize ovocélulas in the archegonia. From here the asexual stage begins, in which the sporophyte is arising, which is nourished by the gametophyte. This rises above the gametophyte, releasing and dispersing the spores. We recommend you take a look at this other article on the reproduction of plants.
Types of liver plants
Two greats are distinguished Types of liver plantsthe foliosas and the talable:
Folious liver plants
They are the most common of all: many of them are part of this type. Its main defining feature is that they have a talus that makes axis for filidies, folious structures. The most common and known group is that of the Jungermanniales. To the characteristic liver form of many foliosas is what is due to the name of liver that the whole genre receives.
Talous liver plants
These do not develop false leaves or folio structure. They grow in a structure that reminds ribbons flat, which may or may not branch. Among them, simple and complex talms are distinguished.
At first glance, many hepatic are so similar to mosses or antoceros that a microscopic observation or a great experience to be able to distinguish them is required.
Examples of liver plants – names and characteristics
Here are some HEPATIC PLANT NAMES To make it easier for you not only to find specific information about them, but also to facilitate their recognition.
March
It belongs to the Marchantiaceae family, whose most remarkable characteristic is its intense green color. Some specimens of this species can reach up to 30 cm. They usually grow in mountainous regions and use a rock to anchor and achieve a greater moisture reserve.
Retulate
Of the Jubulaceae family, it is also characterized by its green color and its irregular ramifications. It usually grows in the base of trees or other plants in the process of decomposition. Always look for an area with a great contribution of nutrients and moisture because it is not a very vulnerable species.
Lunularia
The lunalia, of the lunulariaceae family, is a kind of medium and very resistant size. So much so that it can grow on apparently complicated surfaces as ravines or occur in flat areas, yes, always close to the constant presence of water. It is also characterized by counting an almost translucent green pigment, which makes it easy to identify.
Lejene
Finally, the Lejeuna of the Lejeuneacea family, presents with intense green color and a size below the other previous example species. This usually grows on the surface of the leaves or in the bark of the trees. He prefers areas with good light and airy, still is quite resistant to moisture.
If you want to read more articles similar to Liver plants: what are, characteristics, types and exampleswe recommend that you enter our biology category.
