stock-photo-blackthorn-tree-shrub-prunus-spinosa-in-bloom-with-white-flowers-and-bracnches-covered-in-moss-1828166192.jpg from: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/blackthorn-tree-shrub-prunus-spinosa-bloom-1828166192

Pallavicinia spinosa: The Spiny Liverwort

Pallavicinia spinosa (Gottsche) Steph., commonly known as

*kumonosugoke-ha.jpg from: https://mikawanoyasou.org/koke/kumonosugoke.htm*

Pallavicinia, is a fascinating species of moss belonging to the Pallaviciniaceae family. This unique liverwort is part of the Marchantiophyta division and Jungermanniopsida class. Let’s dive into the intriguing world of this spiny moss!

Background on Bryophytes

Before we explore Pallavicinia spinosa in depth, it’s helpful to understand what bryophytes are. Bryophytes are small, non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They lack true roots, stems, and leaves, instead having simple structures to absorb water and nutrients. Bryophytes play important ecological roles and are found in many habitats worldwide.

Morphology and Identification

Pallavicinia spinosa is a

blackthorn-tree-shrub-prunus-spinosa-in-bloom-with-white-flowers-and-branches-covered-in-moss-2D4NM68.jpg from: https://www.alamy.com/blackthorn-tree-shrub-prunus-spinosa-in-bloom-with-white-flowers-and-branches-covered-in-moss-image381563568.html

thalloid liverwort, meaning it has a flattened, leaf-like body called a thallus rather than separate leaves. The thallus has a distinct midrib and is irregularly branched. A key identifying feature is the

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spinose (spiny) margins of the thallus – hence the species name “spinosa”. The thallus is light green in color.
Pallavicinia reproduces via spores produced in sporophytes that emerge from the thallus. The spores are dispersed by wind or water. It can also reproduce asexually through fragmentation of the thallus.

Global Distribution and Habitat

Pallavicinia spinosa has a wide global distribution, found in many regions including:

Europe
Asia
Africa
North America
South America
Australia
New Zealand

This cosmopolitan moss inhabits a variety of

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damp habitats, such as:

Wet rocks and cliffs

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Stream banks
Damp soil
Rotting logs

pallavicinia-lyellii.jpg from: https://wcbotanicalclub.org/pallavicinia-lyellii/

It prefers shaded, humid environments in temperate to tropical climates. The ability to tolerate a range of conditions has enabled its broad distribution.

Ecological Roles and Adaptations

Like other bryophytes, Pallavicinia spinosa plays several important ecological roles:

Erosion control
Moisture retention
Nutrient cycling
Providing habitat for micro-organisms
Pioneer species in ecological succession

Pallavicinia has adaptations that allow it to thrive in its preferred damp, shady habitats:

Flattened thallus maximizes surface area for absorption
Spinose margins may deter herbivory
Rhizoids anchor it to substrates
Desiccation tolerance to survive dry periods

In Summary