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Hooker's Flapwort (Haplomitrium hookeri)

Haplomitrium hookeri, commonly known as Hooker's Flapwort, is a species of liverwort. It's known for its small size and upright growth habit, often found among other bryophytes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Haplomitrium hookeri (Sm.) Nees
• Common Name: Hooker's Flapwort
• Family: Haplomitriaceae
• Division: Marchantiophyta (sometimes incorrectly called Hepatophyta)
• Synonyms:
  • Scalius hookeri Gray
  • Jungermannia hookeri Sm.
  • Gymnomitrion hookeri (Sm.) Corda
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Haplomitrium hookeri is found in the United Kingdom and is considered rare in Europe. It has been reported as new to Belgium, filling a distribution gap between northern Holland.
• It has been reported from the alpine regions of coastal western North America, ranging from northern Washington to southeastern Alaska.
• It has been found at several sites in the central part of the Bavarian Alps.
• It is considered a Boreal-montane European element.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants are small, typically growing to 1 cm tall.
• Individual shoots are short and erect, with a colorless lower portion.
• Leafy shoots are erect, terminal, and range in size from 5-16 (to 27) x 1.4-2.6 mm.
• Stolons are unbranched.

Quirky Facts

• Haplomitrium hookeri is sometimes described as looking like tiny brussel sprouts on its substratum.
• The plant's name, Haplomitrium hookeri, is an alternative combination by Nees of an original name.