Conocephalum
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Conocephalum is a genus of complex thalloid liverworts in the order Marchantiales and is the only extant genus in the family Conocephalaceae.[1][2] Some species of Conocephalum are assigned to the Conocephalum conicum complex, which includes several cryptic species.[1] Conocephalum species are large liverworts with distinct patterns on the upper thallus, giving the appearance of snakeskin.[3] The species Conocephalum conicum is named for its cone-shaped reproductive structures, called archegoniophores.[4] Common names include snakeskin liverwort, great scented liverwort[5][6] and cat-tongue liverwort.[7]
Conocephalum | |
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Conocephalum conicum | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Division: | Marchantiophyta |
Class: | Marchantiopsida |
Order: | Marchantiales |
Family: | Conocephalaceae Müll.Frib. ex Grolle |
Genus: | Conocephalum Hill, 1773, corr. Wiggers 1780, >nom. et orth. cons. |
Species of Conocephalum are relatively common[5] and widely distributed throughout North America, Europe and East Asia.[8] Conocephalum often occurs in moist and shaded habitats[1][5][9][10] and are also found in open woodlands, sandy banks, wet rocks and cliffs and moist soils.[4] Species of Conocephalum are also often associated with calcareous substrates.[9]
Conocephalum has a relatively large thallus[4][5] with irregular branching.[4] Plants grow by overlapping lobes, often creating large mats.[5] Regarding reproduction, species of Conocephalum are dioicous.[11] Species of Conocephalum produce different terpenes and aromatic compounds.[12][13] Considerable variation in species have been identified based on chemical composition[14] and different species have been identified based on their unique compounds. A unique sesquiterpene alcohol known as conocephalenol was identified and extracted form C. conicum.[12][13]