SafePlants

Pleurozia: An Intriguing Genus of Liverworts

Pleurozia is a fascinating genus of liverworts, notable as the sole member of the family Pleuroziaceae. This family is currently classified within its own order, Pleuroziales, although it was previously grouped within Jungermanniales.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Pleurozia Dumort.
• Family: Pleuroziaceae
• Order: Pleuroziales (formerly Jungermanniales)
• Species Examples: Pleurozia purpurea, Pleurozia acinosa, Pleurozia gigantea, Pleurozia pocsii, Pleurozia curiosa, Pleurozia subinflata, Pleurozia articulata, Pleurozia gigenteoides (synonym of Eopleurozia gigenteoides)
• Synonyms: Jungermannia cochleariformis (for Pleurozia purpurea), Physiotium cochleariforme, Pleurozia arcuata

Considerations for Pets

Some species of Pleurozia have trap-like structures. Check the plant regularly for changes in color. Always consult with a veterinarian or a qualified professional for any concerns.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants can be grayish green to purplish red in color.
• Leaves are incubous-complicate, ovate, with toothed margins.
• Some species, like Pleurozia purpurea, are commonly purple or red colored.

Distribution and Habitat

• Pleurozia species, including Pleurozia purpurea, are often found on cliff edges in open sites.
• They can also be found on logs or tree bases in open coniferous forests and northern bogs.
• Pleurozia purpurea is an epiphytic liverwort found in montane and tropical forests.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, British Columbia, Alaska, China (Hainan), and New Caledonia.

Common Names

• Pleurozia purpurea: Purple Spoonwort

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The water sacs of the leaves in genera like Pleurozia have trap-like structures.
• Evidence suggests zoophagy (animal-eating) in Pleurozia purpurea.

Quirky Facts

• Some Pleurozia species possess trap-like structures in their leaves' water sacs, hinting at potential carnivorous behavior.
• Chemical studies suggest that Pleurozia gigantea is chemically more advanced than Pleurozia acinosa.

Genetic Information

• The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Pleurozia purpurea has been determined, revealing a highly conservative evolutionary pattern in liverworts.

Further Information

• ITIS link: Pleurozia purpurea
• NCBI link: Pleurozia purpurea
• The Plant List link: Pleurozia purpurea
• Tropicos link: Pleurozia and Pleurozia gigantea
• Encyclopedia of Life: Pleurozia purpurea
• Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria
• GenBank (mitochondrial genome sequence of Pleurozia purpurea)