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Asterella californica

Scientific Name: Asterella californica

Family: Aytoniaceae

Category: Liverwort

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Asterella californica: California Asterella

Asterella californica, commonly known as California Asterella, is a fascinating liverwort belonging to the Aytoniaceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asterella californica (Hampe) Underw.
  • Family: Aytoniaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: Fimbriaria californica Underwood; Fimbraria californica Hampe

Distribution and Habitat

  • Asterella californica has been observed in California, including locations like Rockville Hills Regional Park in Fairfield, Solano County, Adobe Canyon in Kenwood, and Mt. Diablo.
  • It thrives in moist habitats, typical for liverworts and mosses. One observation notes it growing in a seep.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a complex thalloid liverwort.
  • The plant can appear pale green to green dorsally, sometimes with purple coloration.
  • It is a simple, nonvascular plant, related to mosses.

Quirky Facts

  • Asterella californica is noted as the only dioicous species within the Bryophyte Flora of North America. Dioicous plants have separate male and female individuals, meaning a single plant will only produce either male or female reproductive structures.
  • There are references to studies involving the forcible discharge of antherozoids (male reproductive cells) in Asterella californica.

Genetic Information

  • Voucher specimen Doyle 11445 has been used for sequencing the 23S ribosomal RNA gene, partial sequence, and the 4.5S and 5S ribosomal RNA genes, complete sequence. Ribosomal RNA genes are essential for protein synthesis within cells, and their sequences can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships of organisms.

Further Information

  • Taxonomic Serial No.: 15545 (ITIS)
  • Element Code: NBHEP0C020
  • Discover Life offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asterella californica.
  • Additional information may be found on the Encyclopedia of Life.
  • ResearchGate hosts studies related to Californian Hepaticae, including Asterella californica.