SafePlants

Ceratolejeunea

Ceratolejeunea is a genus of liverworts belonging to the family Lejeuneaceae. These plants are part of the major group Bryophytes.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of ocelli, which are large, clear cells. While not explicitly toxic, it's worth being aware of these features, especially for pets that might ingest plant material.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceratolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffner
• Family: Lejeuneaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Several species have been reclassified. For example, Lejeunea brasiliensis is now known as Ceratolejeunea fallax, and Lejeunea brevinervis is now Ceratolejeunea brevinervis.
• Etymology: The genus name combines "cerato-" (meaning "horny") with "Lejeunea" (another genus of liverworts).

Distribution and Habitat

• Ceratolejeunea is primarily a tropical and subtropical genus of the New World (Americas).
• Specific locations mentioned include the Colombian Andes, Brazil (including the Atlantic forest), East African Islands, India (Indira Gandhi National Park in the Western Ghats), and Florida (USA).
• They commonly occur in old secondary vegetation and woody environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• These liverworts are generally distinguished by their dark color and the presence of ocelli.
• The presence of utriculate structures is also a distinguishing feature.

Ecology and Interactions

• Ceratolejeunea species can be found as epiphylls (growing on other plants).

Quirky Facts

• A fossil species of Ceratolejeunea was found preserved in Miocene Mexican amber.

Further Information

• ResearchGate is mentioned as a professional network for scientists studying Ceratolejeunea.
• The New York Botanical Garden is also referenced as a source of information.
• Resources like the Plant List, NYBG Virtual Herbarium, and Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle are mentioned for searching species information.
• iNaturalist.org provides classification information for the genus.