SafePlants

Pallavicinia lyellii: The Veilwort

Pallavicinia lyellii, commonly known as Veilwort, is a fascinating liverwort found in humid environments across the globe.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a liverwort, which means it is a non-vascular plant. Consider researching if non-vascular plants can be harmful to animals before introducing it to areas where pets and animals roam.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Pallavicinia lyellii (Hook.) Gray
• Common Name: Veilwort
• Family: Pallaviciniaceae
• Order: Metzgeriales
• Major Group: Bryophytes (Mosses and liverworts)
• Synonym: Pallavicinia husnotii Steph.
• Alternative Scientific Name: Pallavicinia lyellii (Hook.) Carruth.
• Alternative Scientific Name: Jungermannia lyellii
• Authors: Gray, Samuel Frederick.

Distribution and Habitat

• Pallavicinia lyellii is found in humid regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Specific locations mentioned include a peat bog at Mineral Springs near Chicago, Tillarinagar forest, Western Ghats of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, and Worcester Co., Maryland, and Howard Co., Maryland.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus (plant body) is pale green and typically measures 3-8 cm in length and 4-5 mm in width.
• The thallus is simple, with innovations arising from the ventral side of the midrib.
• The margin is entire and undulate, and the midrib has a central strand of narrow cells.

Ecological Role

• This is a UK BAP Priority Species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Pallavicinia longispina (Dilaenaceae Metzgeriales) produces mainly spathulenol.

Further Information

• ARKive
• Discover Life
• Australian Plant Census