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Plagiochila: A Comprehensive Overview

Plagiochila is a large, common, and widespread genus of liverworts belonging to the order Jungermanniales.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Plagiochila (Dumort.) Dumort.
• Family: Plagiochilaceae
• Order: Jungermanniales
• Kingdom: Bryophytes (Mosses and Liverworts)
• Synonyms:
  • Plagiochila killarniensis Pearson (synonym of Plagiochila bifaria)
• Notable Species/Subspecies:
  • Plagiochila asplenioides (L. emend. Taylor) Dumort. (Greater Featherwort)
    • Synonym: P. asplenioides var. major Nees
    • Subspecies: Plagiochila asplenioides subsp. arctica
  • Plagiochila porelloides (Torrey Ex Nees) Lindenb. (Lesser Featherwort, Cedar-shake Liverwort)
  • Plagiochila atlantica E.W.Jones & F.Rose (Western Featherwort)
  • Plagiochila zangii
  • Plagiochila hyalodermica
  • Plagiochila satoi var. magnum
  • Plagiochila wolframii (synonymized with P. fuscolutea)
  • Plagiochila deltoidea Lindenb.
  • Plagiochila ratkowskiana

Distribution and Habitat

• Plagiochila members are predominantly found in tropical regions.
• The greatest number and variety of leafy liverworts, including Plagiochila species, are found in tropical Central and South America and the Malay Archipelago.
• Specific locations mentioned include Madeira Archipelago, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yunnan (China), Southern Illinois (USA), Isle of Skye, and the Neotropics (including Costa Rica).

Morphological Characteristics

• Plagiochila asplenioides: Robust stems up to 12 cm long by 5-9 mm wide, bright or pale green, convex.
• Plagiochila porelloides: Forms green to dark green mats.
• Large species: Stems that are 5 to 9 mm wide and extend to 12 cm in length. Leaves are 2.5 to 4.5 mm wide and 3 to 4.5 mm long, convex.
• Plagiochila deltoidea: Can form large lines, width: 3 mm.
• Leaves are described as toothed or lobed.

Quirky Facts

• Plagiochila porelloides is commonly known as the cedar-shake liverwort due to its appearance.

Genetic and Cytological Information

• Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA are used to clarify the sectional position of certain species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Plagiochila species can produce sesquiterpene esters.
• Some species contain hydroquinone derivatives and monoterpenoids.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Plagiochila.
• Wikimedia Commons: Hosts images of Plagiochila porelloides and other species.