Metzgeriaceae
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Authority
Gradstein, S. Robbert & Ilkiu-Borges, Anna L. 2009. Guide to the plants of Central French Guiana. Part 4. Liverworts and hornworts. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76 (4): i-iv + 1-140.
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Family
Metzgeriaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Description - Plants thalloid, pale green, with a narrow midrib and a unistratose lamina, prostrate, erect, or pendent, usually dichotomously branched, thallus margins with hairs. Central strand and ventral scales lacking. Oil bodies absent or very small, homogeneous. Gametoecia on abbre¬viated branchlets scattered on ventral surface of midrib, antheridia inside a globose sac, archegonia hidden under a thallus flap. Sporophyte surrounded by a fleshy calyptra; pseudoperianth lacking. Capsule spherical to ovoid, opening by 4 valves, wall 1-2-layered. Spores small, unicellular. Elaters 1-spiralled, attached to valve apices. Vegetative reproduction by gemmae or caducous branches.