SafePlants

Conocephalum conicum: Great Scented Liverwort

Conocephalum conicum, also known as the great scented liverwort, common mushroom-headed liverwort, snakeskin liverwort, or snake liverwort, is a widespread species of liverwort.

Considerations for Pets

• This liverwort has a strong aroma when rubbed.

Considerations for Children

• This liverwort has a strong aroma when rubbed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Conocephalum conicum (L.) Corda; Conocephalum conicum (Linnaeus) Lindb.; Conocephalum conicum (L.) Dumort.; Conocephalum conicum (L.) Underw.
• Common Names: Great Scented Liverwort, Common Mushroom-Headed Liverwort, Snakeskin Liverwort, Snake Liverwort
• Family: Marchantiaceae, Conocephalaceae
• Order: Marchantiales

Distribution and Habitat

• Conocephalum conicum is commonly found in the northern hemisphere.
• Its distribution spans a wide range of locations including Afghanistan, Alaska, the Arabian Peninsula, Atlantic islands, Austria, the Balearic Islands, the Balkan Peninsula, Baltic states, Belgium, the Beringian Arctic, Bulgaria, and Canada.
• It has been recorded in the UK and Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Morphological Characteristics

• Conocephalum conicum is the largest of the thalloid liverworts.
• It forms large, conspicuous thalli up to 17 mm wide, often in extensive mats.
• The flat, leathery thalli are dark green in color and strongly aromatic.
• The thallus can grow up to 20 cm long.
• The plant body is flattened and spotted.

Genetic Information

• Research has been conducted on the chromosomes of Conocephalum conicum.

Physiological Characteristics

• Conocephalum conicum generates all-or-none action potentials (APs) in response to stimuli.

Quirky Facts

• The species name "conicum" refers to its cone-shaped sporophyte capsules.
• The plant emits a faint sweet scent when rubbed between the fingers.
• Airborne sperm discharge has been observed and documented in Conocephalum conicum.

Distinguishing from Similar Species

• Conocephalum conicum can be easily mistaken for Conocephalum salebrosum. Until 2005, they were considered the same species.

Further Resources

• NBN Gateway (for distribution records in the UK)
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
• Tropicos
• IPCN (International Plant Names Index)
• MO Bryo (Missouri Botanical Garden Bryophyte Database)
• British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes