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Cephaloziella massalongi

Scientific Name: Cephaloziella massalongi

Family: Cephaloziellaceae

Category: Liverwort

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names: TN (a liverwort)

       

Cephaloziella massalongi

Cephaloziella massalongi, also known as Lesser Copperwort, is a tiny liverwort belonging to the Cephaloziellaceae family. It is notable for being an obligate metallophyte, meaning it is entirely confined to substrates rich in heavy metals.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a tiny plant, Cephaloziella massalongi produces gemmae, which are special groups of cells that develop into new plants. These small parts may present a choking hazard, especially for small animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cephaloziella massalongi (Spruce) Müll.Frib.
  • Common Name: Lesser Copperwort
  • Family: Cephaloziellaceae
  • Kingdom: Plants (part of Phylum Bryophyta - Mosses, Hornworts, and Liverworts and Class Hepatophyta)
  • Order: Jungermanniales
  • Class: Jungermanniopsida
  • Synonyms:
    • Cephalozia columbae Camus = Cephaloziella massalongi (Spruce) Mll. Frib.
    • Cephaloziella massalongi var. nicholsonii
  • Authorities: (Spruce) Muell.Frib., (Spruce) K.Muell.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cephaloziella massalongi is a boreo-temperate suboceanic element, found in many European locations.
  • It grows on damp soil, particularly in areas rich in heavy metals, such as copper.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Snowdonia, Cornwall (UK), and the Harghita Mountains.

Ecological Role

  • As an obligate metallophyte, Cephaloziella massalongi is associated with copper-rich environments, often linked to past industrial activity.
  • Its presence is linked to specific chemical characteristics of the soil it occupies.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cephaloziella massalongi is a tiny liverwort.
  • It reproduces asexually by producing gemmae.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It coexists with other metallophytes like Cephaloziella nicholsonii (Greater Copperwort).

Further Information

  • Information is available through databases such as NHMSYS0000309602 and NBNSYS0000035820.
  • Additional resources include the Encyclopedia of Life.
  • ResearchGate provides chemical characteristics of the soil occupied by it and C. nicholsonii in Cornwall.