Contents
Description
Conocephalum is a genus of liverworts that belongs to the family Conocephalaceae. This genus is distributed worldwide and can be found in various habitats, including forests, wetlands, and rocky crevices. Conocephalum has a unique thalloid structure, which is a flattened, leaf-like structure that lacks stems and roots.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Marchantiophyta |
| Class | Jungermanniopsida |
| Order | Porellales |
| Family | Conocephalaceae |
| Genus | Conocephalum |
Appearance
Conocephalum has a thalloid structure that can grow up to 30cm in length. Its thallus is dark green and has a shiny appearance due to the presence of oil bodies. The thallus is lobed and can be either dichotomously branched or unbranched. The lobes of the thallus can be either rounded or pointed, and they can have a smooth or wavy margin. The underside of the thallus has rhizoids, which are root-like structures that anchor the plant to its substrate.
Care Guide
Conocephalum requires moist soil and high humidity to thrive. It prefers to grow in partial to full shade, but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. Water Conocephalum regularly to keep its soil moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilize Conocephalum with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Conocephalum prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Common Pests & Diseases
Conocephalum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections, especially if it is overwatered or grown in poor soil conditions. Inspect Conocephalum regularly for signs of fungal infection, such as yellowing or wilting leaves. Treat fungal infections with a fungicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Habitat
Conocephalum can be found in various habitats, including forests, wetlands, and rocky crevices. It prefers to grow in areas with high humidity and moist soil conditions. Conocephalum is often found growing on rocks, tree trunks, and other substrates.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Conocephalum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Conocephalum can be grown indoors in a terrarium or other container with high humidity and moist soil conditions.
Q: How often should Conocephalum be fertilized?
A: Conocephalum should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Q: Is Conocephalum hardy in cold climates?
A: Yes, Conocephalum is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Q: Can Conocephalum tolerate direct sunlight?
A: Conocephalum prefers to grow in partial to full shade, but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
Related Plants
- Marchantia
- Lunularia
- Jungermannia
- Riccia
References
- Mehltreter K, Juárez-Jaimes V, García-Franco JG, Flores-Palacios A. (2005). “Conocephalum conicum (Marchantiopsida: Conocephalaceae), a new species from Mexico.” Bryologist. 108(2): 254-257.
- Söderström L, Hagborg A, von Konrat M, Bartholomew-Began S, Bell D, Briscoe L, Brown E, Cargill DC, Costa DP, Crandall-Stotler BJ, Cooper ED, Dauphin G, Engel JJ, Feldberg K, Glenny D, Gradstein SR, He X, Ilkiu-Borges AL, Jara-Guerrero A, Kim J, Majure L, Malcolm B, Mendoza DP, Meneses RI, Meshkova V, Natyaganova T, Ngo M, Otálora MU, Peralta DF, Pócs T, Puche F, Reiner-Drehwald E, Renner MAM, Sass-Gyarmati A, Schäfer-Verwimp A, Segarra-Moragues JG, Shaw AJ, Shimp AD, Spagnuolo A, Spirina UN, Stech M, Suárez A, Thiers B, Uribe JM, Váňa J, Villarreal JC, Wigginton MJ, Zhang L. (2016). “World checklist of hornworts and liverworts.” Phytokeys. 59: 1-828.
