SafePlants

Anthoceros: The Hornwort Genus

Anthoceros is a fascinating genus of hornworts, belonging to the family Anthocerotaceae. These bryophytes are known for their unique horn-shaped sporophytes, which give them their common name.

Considerations for Pets

• While not explicitly stated, Anthoceros grows on moist soil and in crevices of rocks which could present a digging or mouthing hazard for pets if grown indoors.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anthoceros L. emend. Prosk.
• Common Name: Hornwort, Field Hornwort (for Anthoceros agrestis), Dotted Hornwort (for Anthoceros punctatus)
• Family: Anthocerotaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Bryophyta (also referred to as Anthocerotophyta)
• Class: Anthocerotopsida
• Order: Anthocerotales
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Several species have complex taxonomies and may have undergone reclassification.

Distribution and Habitat

• Anthoceros has a global distribution.
• They typically grow on moist soil in shady places or in crevices of rocks.
• Species can be found in various habitats including those exposed to sun and shade, on mineral soil, in ditches, terraces, and irrigated sites.
• Specific species like Anthoceros agrestis are found in fields and ditches.

Morphological Characteristics

• The name Anthoceros means "flower horn," referring to the characteristic horn-shaped sporophytes.
• The plant body is gametophytic, consisting of a thallus.
• Some species are unisexual, while others are bisexual.
• Examples of specific characteristics mentioned include:
  • Anthoceros punctatus: Frilly thallus.
  • Anthoceros agrestis: Horn-like sporophytes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Anthoceros punctatus forms a symbiotic association with Nostoc spp.
• Studies have investigated the potential for arbuscular mycorrhiza-like symbioses between fungi and Anthoceros punctatus.

Quirky Facts

• The apical growth of Anthoceros is a controversial topic, with debate over whether it occurs via a single apical cell or a group of apical cells.
• Spores of Anthoceros fusiformis are bumpy-echinate on the proximal face and unornamented distally.

Further Information

• The Plant List includes 166 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Anthoceros, with 6 being accepted species names.
• IUCN Red List: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2000.RLTS.T39217A10176818.en (for Anthoceros neesii)
• Taxonomic information available from Taxonomic Serial Numbers (TSN) such as 15652 (Anthoceros L.) and 15657 (Anthoceros fusiformis).
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a source of information for Anthoceros punctatus.
• LINN 1272.1 (Herb Linn) is a specimen of Anthoceros sp.