SafePlants

Barbilophozia: A Genus of Leafy Liverworts

Barbilophozia is a genus of leafy liverworts belonging to the family Scapaniaceae (though some sources also cite Lophoziaceae or Jungermanniaceae). These bryophytes exhibit a fascinating array of characteristics and distributions, making them a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Barbilophozia Loeske
• Family: Scapaniaceae (also cited as Lophoziaceae and Jungermanniaceae)
• Order: Jungermanniales
• Synonyms (for Barbilophozia attenuata):
  • Lophozia attenuata (Mart.) Dum.
  • Neoorthocaulis attenuatus (Mart.) L.Sderstr., De Roo & Hedd.
  • Barbilophozia gracilis (Schleich.)

Considerations for Pets

• Barbilophozia barbata and other species within the genus have shoots typically between 0.5 to 3 mm wide with leaves 1 to 2 mm wide and 0.5 to 1 mm long, which might pose a choking hazard to small animals if ingested.

Distribution and Habitat

• Species of Barbilophozia have a wide distribution, including:
  • Alaska
  • Balkan Peninsula
  • Baltic states
  • Beringian Arctic
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Caucasus
  • Central Asia
  • Central Russia
  • China mainland
  • Continental USA
  • Europe (Austria, Salzburg)
  • Turkey (Yenice Forest, Ilgaz, Ankara)
• Barbilophozia attenuata is noted as a Boreal-montane Circumpolar element, found on thin peat on granite boulders.
• Barbilophozia hatcheri has been observed in Antarctica.

Morphological Characteristics

• Barbilophozia barbata is a leafy liverwort with reduced or absent underleaves.
• The leaves of Barbilophozia barbata are 2-5 lobed, with mature leaves commonly being 4 lobed.
• Shoots of some species are 0.5 to 3 mm wide.
• Leaves of some species are 1 to 2 mm wide and 0.5 to 1 mm long.
• Coloration can be brownish green or yellowish green.
• Some species like Barbilophozia kunzeana have absent or small and unlobed underleaves.

Genetic Information

• Studies on the phylogeny of Barbilophozia using ITS1-2 nrDNA, trnL-F, and trnG-intron cpDNA have revealed different evolutionary scenarios within the genus.
• Fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) has been investigated in Barbilophozia attenuata, particularly in areas with ant trails.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Research has focused on mycothalli of Barbilophozia hatcheri in Antarctica, examining the distribution and identities of mycobionts.
• Fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) of Barbilophozia attenuata has been studied in relation to ant trails.

Common Names

• Atlantic Pawwort (Barbilophozia atlantica)
• Common Pawwort
• Hatcher's Pawwort (Barbilophozia hatcheri)
• Trunk Pawwort (Barbilophozia attenuata)
• Bearded Pawwort (Barbilophozia barbata)
• Floerke's barbilophozia (Barbilophozia floerkei)

Further Resources

• The Plant List: A comprehensive list of plant names.
• Encyclopedia of Life: Provides information on Barbilophozia floerkei and Barbilophozia lycopodioides.
• Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Barbilophozia.
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium.
• Musum national.