SafePlants

*Calypogeia* Species: A Closer Look at Pouchworts

The genus *Calypogeia*, commonly known as pouchworts, belongs to the family Calypogeiaceae and the order Jungermanniales. These leafy liverworts are found worldwide and exhibit considerable diversity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: *Calypogeia* Raddi
• Family: Calypogeiaceae
• Order: Jungermanniales
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on "plant names" and liverwort classification)
• Synonyms and Accepted Species: The Plant List records 86 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus *Calypogeia*, with 20 being accepted species names. Examples include:
  • *Calypogeia azurea* R. Stotl. & Crotz (Synonym: *Calypogeia trichomanis* (L.) Corda)
  • *Calypogeia fissa* (L.) Raddi
  • *Calypogeia muelleriana* (Schiffn.) Mll. Frib.
    • Subspecies: *Calypogeia muelleriana* ssp. *muelleriana* (Schiffn.)
  • *Calypogeia neesiana* (C.Massal. & Carestia) Mll.Frib. (Common names: Nees' Pouchwort, Nees-Bartkelchmoos)
  • *Calypogeia rhynchophylla* (Herzog) Bischl.
  • *Calypogeia sphagnicola* (Arnell & J.Perss.) Warnst. & Loeske (Synonym: *Calypogeia tenuis*)
  • *Calypogeia integristipula* Steph.
  • *Calypogeia peruviana* Nees & Mont.
  • *Calypogeia suecica*

Distribution and Habitat

• *Calypogeia* species have a worldwide distribution, with the highest diversity found in the tropics.
• *Calypogeia muelleriana* is a boreo-temperate circumpolar element, typically found in moist areas on soil and rotten logs. It has been observed near Rheinbach, Germany.
• *Calypogeia rhynchophylla* is endemic to Costa Rica.
• *Calypogeia neesiana* has been located in Salzburg, Austria.
• *Calypogeia azurea* has been observed in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington.
• *Calypogeia fissa* often grows in dense mats on moist to wet, well-aerated locations.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• *Calypogeia integristipula* is a small, prostrate, leafy liverwort, typically pale green in color.
• *Calypogeia* species generally have flat shoots that are a paler green than most other leafy liverworts.
• *Calypogeia azurea* has a characteristic blue color visible in the field.

Genetic and Cytological Information

• Genetic differentiation has been studied in *Calypogeia fissa* and *Calypogeia muelleriana* using isozyme analysis. Two forms of *C. muelleriana*, typical and atypical, have been reported.
• Chloroplast genome markers (trnG, trnL, trnH-psbA) are used for delimitation of *Calypogeia* species.

Phytochemical Information

• The presence of campesteryl behenate has been identified in all studied species of the *Calypogeia* genus, suggesting it's a characteristic feature.
• Sesquiterpene constituents have been found in *Calypogeia muelleriana*.

Ecological Role

• The occurrence of *Calypogeia sphagnicola* is closely connected with specific environmental conditions, including wetlands.

Further Information

• The Plant List: A resource for accepted plant names.
• British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes: A resource for *Calypogeia sphagnicola*.
• Encyclopedia of Life: Information on *Calypogeia sphagnicola*.