Contents
Description
Marchantia Polymorpha, commonly known as liverwort, is a non-vascular plant that belongs to the Marchantiaceae family. It is one of the most common liverworts and is found throughout the world, especially in damp and shady areas. This plant has a flat, lobed body that closely resembles a human liver, hence its name. It reproduces via spores that are produced in small umbrella-like structures called gemmae cups.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Marchantiophyta |
| Class | Marchantiopsida |
| Order | Marchantiales |
| Family | Marchantiaceae |
| Genus | Marchantia |
Appearance
Marchantia Polymorpha has a flat, lobed body that can range from light green to dark green in color. The plant can grow up to 10 centimeters in diameter and has a slightly waxy texture. The lobes of the plant are arranged in a radiating pattern from the center of the body. The underside of the plant has small, root-like structures called rhizoids that help anchor the plant to the substrate. The plant also produces umbrella-shaped structures called gemmae cups that contain small, asexual reproductive structures called gemmae.
Care Guide
Marchantia Polymorpha is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Keep the plant in a damp environment, but avoid overwatering as this can cause the plant to rot.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization.
- Soil: Marchantia Polymorpha does not require soil as it can grow on various substrates such as rocks, soil, or bark.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers to grow in shaded areas with indirect sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Marchantia Polymorpha is not known to have any significant pest or disease problems. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the plant is overwatered or grown in an area with poor air circulation.
Habitat
Marchantia Polymorpha is commonly found in damp and shaded areas such as forests, riverbanks, and wetlands. It can also grow on rocks, soil, and bark. This plant is found throughout the world, from temperate to tropical regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Marchantia Polymorpha grow in direct sunlight?
A: No, this plant prefers to grow in shaded areas with indirect sunlight.
Q: Does Marchantia Polymorpha require fertilization?
A: No, this plant does not require fertilization.
Q: What type of substrate can Marchantia Polymorpha grow on?
A: Marchantia Polymorpha can grow on various substrates such as rocks, soil, or bark.
Q: Can Marchantia Polymorpha be grown as a houseplant?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown as a houseplant as long as it is kept in a damp and shaded environment.
Related Plants
- Marchantia Paleacea
- Marchantia Polymorpha var. Ruderalis
- Marchantia Emarginata
References
- “Marchantia polymorpha.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280237&isprofile=0&basic=marchantia%20polymorpha.
- “Marchantia polymorpha.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/marchantia-polymorpha.
- “Marchantia polymorpha.” University of Wisconsin-Madison. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://botit.botany.wisc.edu/resources/botany/vascular/Liverworts/Marchantiaceae/Marchantia/polymorpha/polymorpha.htm.
