Hornwort (Cherry_Chow)
Updated on 21/05/2014


Other Photos of Topic Bryophytes


Description


Location

Collected by Yiuman at 烏蛟騰

Comments

Hornwort is known for its hornlike sporophytes. Many cells of the thallus, including those of the epidermis, secrete mucilage, which is essential for water retention. Also, the dorsal side, though cannot be seen in the above photos, contains a mucilage cavity for nitrogen fixing Nostoc. Also, there is no seta compared to other groups of Bryophyta. In the right photos, the sporophyte is surrounded by involucre. Upon maturation of the spores, the sporangium will dehisce near its tip and extend toward the base by two valves. The twisting of the sporangium wall and the pseudoelaters will disrupt the spore mass on drying in order to facilitate the dispersal.
by Yip_CheukLing (Student) at 2022-12-02 16:05:14
Excellent description
by Cherry_Chow (Teacher) at 2022-12-19 12:02:25