Herbertus hutchinsiae
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
This handsome liverwort is a classic species of western Scotland, where it is often abundant on heathy mountain slopes. It is a distinctive cushion-forming plant with typically orange leaves, although in shaded habitats these can become green. This species occupies very different habitats than H.stramineus and also has more divided, strongly curved leaves, giving it a shaggy appearance to the naked eye.
This species was formerly regarded as a subspecies of H.aduncus, but was recently elevated to species rank, based on molecular studies.
This species was formerly regarded as a subspecies of H.aduncus, but was recently elevated to species rank, based on molecular studies.
Lepidozia reptans
Glen Nant NNR, Argyll (all photos)
This common liverwort is easily seen in Scotland, and one of the most abundant epiphytic species. It is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Lepidozia pearsonii
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
This uncommon species is very similar to L.reptans and close examination is often necessary to separate the two. L.pearsonii differs most significantly in being dioicous rather than autoicous. In L.pearsonii, the male infolorescences are mostly at the end of side branches, unlike L.reptans, where they are on very short postical branches along the main stem. Obviously, L.pearsonii never has female and male inflorescences on the same plant; in fact, female plants are rare, according to the recent Atlas of British & Irish Bryophytes.
Lepidozia pearsonii is fairly widespread in western Scotland, where it grows in heathy, submontane habtats and rocky woodlands.
Lepidozia pearsonii is fairly widespread in western Scotland, where it grows in heathy, submontane habtats and rocky woodlands.
Lepidozia cupressina
near Strontian, SunartNamed for its resemblance to the leafy stems of a cypress tree, this distinctively pale liverwort is always a special find. Although widespread in western Scotland, it is not abundant in any particular place and is often absent from seemingly good habitat. It favours rocky humid woodlands and other sheltered habitats.
L.cupressina has its European strongholds in the British isles, like many other oceanic bryophytes. In Scotland, the bulk of its population is from Argyll northwards, with scattered occurrences east to the Cairngorms. It is absent from the Borders and Galloway.
L.cupressina has its European strongholds in the British isles, like many other oceanic bryophytes. In Scotland, the bulk of its population is from Argyll northwards, with scattered occurrences east to the Cairngorms. It is absent from the Borders and Galloway.
Bazzania trilobata
Craighoyle Wood SSSI
This stunning, often robust, liverwort is one of Britain's most handsome species, especially when growing in luxuriant cushions, as it often does in the wet west of Scotland.
B.trilobata is much more robust than the other two British members of the genus and is also much more strongly associated with woodland, where it grows on soil and rock, and also commonly as an epiphyte.
Shoots of B.trilobata have a very distinctive look, with curved, hooded tips and a rather triangular spreading appearance when viewed head-on. This, combined with its size and usual habitat, makes this species easy to recognise and unlikely to be confused with any other.
B.trilobata is much more robust than the other two British members of the genus and is also much more strongly associated with woodland, where it grows on soil and rock, and also commonly as an epiphyte.
Shoots of B.trilobata have a very distinctive look, with curved, hooded tips and a rather triangular spreading appearance when viewed head-on. This, combined with its size and usual habitat, makes this species easy to recognise and unlikely to be confused with any other.
Bazzania tricrenata
Glen Loin SSSI, Argyll
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
In the west of Scotland, this small Bazzania is a relatively common sight in humid, sheltered habitats such as montane heathland and scree. The colour can be variable, from yellow-green through to orange and brown. B. tricrenata occurs widely in western Scotland north of the Central Belt. It also occurs more sparingly in the Cairngorms and Southern Uplands.
For further diagnostic details, see the description of B.pearsonii below.
weak form, Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
For further diagnostic details, see the description of B.pearsonii below.
weak form, Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
Bazzania pearsonii
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
This oceanic speciality is very similar to the much more common B.tricrenata and grows in similar habitats. The key distinguishing character is in the underleaves, which are long and rounded, with a notched tip - those of B.tricrenata are wide and have three distinct teeth (hence the name). B.pearsonii also never has the reddish-brown colour that some plants of B.tricrenata show (such as this example from Ben Lawers).
Bazzania pearsonii is most widespread in the north-west of Scotland - the population here, from Glencoe is at the southern edge of its range in Britain, apart from an occurrence on Jura and scattered localities on the west coast of Ireland. It is unknown elsewhere in Europe.
Bazzania pearsonii is most widespread in the north-west of Scotland - the population here, from Glencoe is at the southern edge of its range in Britain, apart from an occurrence on Jura and scattered localities on the west coast of Ireland. It is unknown elsewhere in Europe.
Trichocolea tomentella
Resipol ravine, Ardnamurchan
A handsome liverwort of flushed ground, Trichocolea is named for its hairy leaves. When wet, this is not immediately apparent, but under a lens the dense covering of tiny hairs is easy to see.
Trichocolea is frequent in humid woodlands, where it can cover extensive areas - the plants photographed here carpeted a steep rock face in an oceanic gorge. It also occurs in calcareous flushes. In Scotland, the bulk of its known sites are in western areas, although scattered sites are known from many areas further east.
Trichocolea is frequent in humid woodlands, where it can cover extensive areas - the plants photographed here carpeted a steep rock face in an oceanic gorge. It also occurs in calcareous flushes. In Scotland, the bulk of its known sites are in western areas, although scattered sites are known from many areas further east.
Adelanthus decipiens
Craighoyle Wood, Cowal
This very special liverwort is highly characteristic of oceanic habitats in the west of Scotland. In the most humid sites, it can occur as an epiphyte (as in these photos), and also occurs on rock.
The concave leaves on short stems are quite distinctive when growing in pure patches. The patch photographed here was approximately 30cm across, growing on a fallen oak trunk.
The concave leaves on short stems are quite distinctive when growing in pure patches. The patch photographed here was approximately 30cm across, growing on a fallen oak trunk.
Cephalozia catenulata
Glen Nant NNR, Argyll
Like all Cephalozias, this is a small, easily-overlooked liverwort. It is a characteristic of humid woodlands, where it grows as an epiphyte, but can also grow on soil and rock.
C.catenulata is a critical species, and measurement of the leaf cells is needed to confirm its identity: the leaf and stem cortex cells are smaller than similar species and the leaves are obliquely inserted along the stems, rather than longitudinally.
The west of Scotland is the British stronghold for this species, with only scattered occurrences known from other areas.
C.catenulata is a critical species, and measurement of the leaf cells is needed to confirm its identity: the leaf and stem cortex cells are smaller than similar species and the leaves are obliquely inserted along the stems, rather than longitudinally.
The west of Scotland is the British stronghold for this species, with only scattered occurrences known from other areas.
Cephalozia curvifolia (syn. Nowellia curvifolia)
Ben A'an SSSI, Trossachs (both photos)
This common woodland species is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
In Scotland, this species os most abundant in the west, but there are records from most areas where suitable habitat exists.
In Scotland, this species os most abundant in the west, but there are records from most areas where suitable habitat exists.
Odontoschisma sphagni
Flanders Moss NNR, StirlingshireThis common species of bogs and wet heathland is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Across Scotland, this species is common and often abundant where suitable habitat exists.
Across Scotland, this species is common and often abundant where suitable habitat exists.
Odontoschisma denudatum
Craighoyle Wood SSSI, Cowal
Common in many areas of western Scotland, this species of rotting wood is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Anthelia julacea
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
This fairly common upland liverwort is described in the Liverworts of Ben Lawers section of the site.
In Scotland, A. julacea is very widespread north of the Central Belt, descending to sea level in some areas. It is extremely scarce in the Southern Uplands, with most records now rather old.
In Scotland, A. julacea is very widespread north of the Central Belt, descending to sea level in some areas. It is extremely scarce in the Southern Uplands, with most records now rather old.
Tetralophozia setiformis
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
This plant is a tyical resident of acidic, dry scree and, as such, is restricted to eastern Scotland. While individual stems are very small, the spreading, orange-brown cushions and mats it forms are highly characteristic and make identification easy.
When viewed under a lens, the leaves are seen to be held against the stems, unlike Barbilophozias where individual leaves remain clearly visible.
When viewed under a lens, the leaves are seen to be held against the stems, unlike Barbilophozias where individual leaves remain clearly visible.
Barbilophozia hatcheri
Traprain Law, East Lothian
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Cairngorms
underleaf, showing elongate cells, Morrone Birkwood
B.hatcheri is a more continental plant than the commoner Barbilophozia species described below and is absent from western Scotland (although it is found in the Lake District in England). In Scotland, B.hatcheri is very widespread east of the Great Glen and in the Borders.
In the field B.hatcheri resembles B.floerkii and more especially B.atlantica, and leaves must be viewed under a microscope to confirm this species, which has characteristic elongate cells on the leaf cilia. B.floerkii never has gemmae, which are common in B.hatcheri and B.atlantica. The leaf lobes (there are often four, rather than three) have an elongate cell at their apex, which will rule out B.atlantica. B.lycopodioides is very similar but never has gemmae and grows in moister, less exposed habitats.
leaf base, showing cilia
leaf of specimen from Traprain Law
leaf, showing elongate apical cells, Morrone Birkwood
In the field B.hatcheri resembles B.floerkii and more especially B.atlantica, and leaves must be viewed under a microscope to confirm this species, which has characteristic elongate cells on the leaf cilia. B.floerkii never has gemmae, which are common in B.hatcheri and B.atlantica. The leaf lobes (there are often four, rather than three) have an elongate cell at their apex, which will rule out B.atlantica. B.lycopodioides is very similar but never has gemmae and grows in moister, less exposed habitats.
leaf base, showing cilia
leaf of specimen from Traprain Law
leaf, showing elongate apical cells, Morrone Birkwood
Barbilophozia atlantica
Falls of Leny, Callander, TrossachsB.atlantica, as its name suggests, is a strongly western species in Europe, and this is also the case in Britain. Unusually for a liverwort species, it is much more widespread in England and appears rather rare in Scotland, although this may be due to historical confusion with B.floerkii.
This species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
This species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Barbilophozia floerkii
Orthocaulis floerkii (syn. Barbilophozia floerkii)
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
The commonest Barbilophozia in Scotland, and Britain as a whole, this species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Anastrepta orcadensis
Glen Loin SSSI, Arrochar
Anastrepta is a monospecific genus of liverworts and even in the field it has a distinctive look to the naked eye. This stems from it having convex leaves, relative to the stem apex - all other leafy liverworts have concave leaves.
This species can occur in extensive patches, but just as often it seems to be found as scattered stems among other bryophytes, and as such, it can be easily overlooked when in small quantity, as individual stems are only small.
Anastrepta is widespread in the western Highlands, with other populations in the Cairngorms and scattered sites in the Borders and Galloway.
This species can occur in extensive patches, but just as often it seems to be found as scattered stems among other bryophytes, and as such, it can be easily overlooked when in small quantity, as individual stems are only small.
Anastrepta is widespread in the western Highlands, with other populations in the Cairngorms and scattered sites in the Borders and Galloway.
Lophozia longidens
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
This tiny epiphytic species is more common in the east of Scotland than the west.
I've described it, along with a slightly better photo (but only just!), in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
I've described it, along with a slightly better photo (but only just!), in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Lophozia sp
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
Text coming soon, pending ID of the specimen.
Mesoptychia bantriensis
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
The most widespread of the larger Mesoptychia species, M. bantriensis is predominantly a species of base-rich montane flushes. In the lowlands, it is found in fens and dune slacks.
M. bantriensis is similar to M. gillmanii and M. fitzgeraldiae, both of which are much rarer but do occur across Scotland. These species are separated microscopically: M. gillmanii is the only paroicous member of the trio, while M. fitzgeraldiae has very slightly or non-decurrent leaves.
M. bantriensis is similar to M. gillmanii and M. fitzgeraldiae, both of which are much rarer but do occur across Scotland. These species are separated microscopically: M. gillmanii is the only paroicous member of the trio, while M. fitzgeraldiae has very slightly or non-decurrent leaves.
Sphenolobus minutus (syn. Anastrophyllum minutum)
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
shoot under magnification, showing pectinate leaf arrangement
This diminutive plant is the most widespread of Britain's Sphenolobus / Anastrophyllum species. When growing in pure patches, like the one shown, the regular, comb-like arrangement of the leaves is very distinctive. Sparse plants growing among other liverworts are less obvious but still distinctive when viewed microscopically.
S.minutus grows in a wide range of habitats, from scree to peaty banks to sandy track edges. In Scotland, it is widely distributed north of the Central Belt, especially in montane areas. It also occurs sparsely in the Southern Uplands.
S.minutus grows in a wide range of habitats, from scree to peaty banks to sandy track edges. In Scotland, it is widely distributed north of the Central Belt, especially in montane areas. It also occurs sparsely in the Southern Uplands.
Sphenolobus saxicola (syn. Anastrophyllum saxicola)
An Lochan Uaine, Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
This attractive, rare species is a specialist of acidic scree in the Cairngorms, where it can be locally frequent.
In the field, S.saxicola has a distinctive appearance, with flattened, brownish stems with pale tips. It often grows as sprawling patches with upright shoot tips.
Under a hand lens or microscope, the neatly folded leaves with strongly concave lobes have a characteristic appearance. They somewhat resemble a Scapania but the leaf fold is not keeled. Additionally, the lobes fold over at the apex of the shoots.
In the field, S.saxicola has a distinctive appearance, with flattened, brownish stems with pale tips. It often grows as sprawling patches with upright shoot tips.
Under a hand lens or microscope, the neatly folded leaves with strongly concave lobes have a characteristic appearance. They somewhat resemble a Scapania but the leaf fold is not keeled. Additionally, the lobes fold over at the apex of the shoots.
Anastrophyllum hellerianum
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
A tiny liverwort of rotting pine stumps in ancient Caledonian forest, this liverwort is a rare species. Despite its very small size, it is easy to recognise, thanks to its think, upright shoots which bear conspicuous brown gemmae. These immediately distinguish it from the prostrate growth and thicker shoots of Nowellia curvifolia, with which it often grows, as shown here.
A. hellerianum is known from scattered localities in Scotland - in the west, it occurs in pristine oak woodland.
A. hellerianum is known from scattered localities in Scotland - in the west, it occurs in pristine oak woodland.
Anastrophyllum donnianum
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
Much the largest of our Anastrophyllum/Sphenolobus species, A.donnianum is a strongly oceanic liverwort, characteristic of north-facing, humid block scree and other sheltered habitats in the mountains of the western Highlands, where snow lies late into the year. It has a unique appearance, with vertical stems with the pointed leaves all facing to one side.
A.donnianum's British distribution is entirely restricted to the mountains of Scotland, with nearly all records from the west, apart from a cluster of sites known from late-snow corries in the Cairngorms.
A.donnianum's British distribution is entirely restricted to the mountains of Scotland, with nearly all records from the west, apart from a cluster of sites known from late-snow corries in the Cairngorms.
Tritomaria quinquedentata
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
A familiar liverwort of dripping base-rich rocks in Scotland, this widespread species is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
This attractive species occurs commonly in suitable habitat across most of the country.
This attractive species occurs commonly in suitable habitat across most of the country.
Tritomaria exsectiformis
Image coming soon!
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
Text coming soon!
T. exsectiformis is widespread in Scotland north of the Central Belt and also occurs in the Southern Uplands.
gemmae
T. exsectiformis is widespread in Scotland north of the Central Belt and also occurs in the Southern Uplands.
gemmae
Mylia taylorii
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
Craighoyle Wood SSSI, Cowal
This is a common liverwort of heathy, upland slopes and other sheltered sites such as humid woodland. It grows as cushions, often with a characteristic reddish colour, as shown in the first photo. The tips of the shoots have a distintive spreading look, where the rounded shape of the leaves is clearly seen.
M. taylorii is widespread in the Scotland north of the Central Belt and also occurs widely in the Southern Uplands.
M. taylorii is widespread in the Scotland north of the Central Belt and also occurs widely in the Southern Uplands.
Jungermannia eucordifolia (syn. Jungermannia exsertifolia ssp.cordifolia)
Cairnwell SSSI, Glen Shee
This liverwort is described in the Liverworts of Ben Lawers NNR section of the site.
It is a widespread species in Scotland, usually occurring in running water next to flushes and streams.
It is a widespread species in Scotland, usually occurring in running water next to flushes and streams.
Solenostoma subellipticum
Cairnwell SSSI, Cairngorms
This uncommon liverwort is described below, with the very similar S. obovatum. The plant shown here was growing in a calcareous flush at high altitude and has been confirmed.
In Scotland, this species occurs relatively widely in the Highlands, with only a handful of records from the eastern half of the Southern Uplands.
In Scotland, this species occurs relatively widely in the Highlands, with only a handful of records from the eastern half of the Southern Uplands.
Solenostoma obovatum
Resipol ravine, Ardnamurchan
This little liverwort is one of a group of similar species that need close (and often patient!) examination under the microscope to identify. S. obovatum is a plant of wet habitats, such as here at Resipol, where it was growing on a dripping rock face in an oceanic gorge.
Despite its name, the obovate shape of the leaves (because they are inserted narrowly on the stem) is not a character that can be used to distinguish this species from the very similar S. subellipticum. In extreme forms, the two can be indistinguishable, but S. obovatum is generally larger and occurs in more sheltered, shaded habitats.
S. obovatum has a broad distribution north of the Central Belt in Scotland.
Despite its name, the obovate shape of the leaves (because they are inserted narrowly on the stem) is not a character that can be used to distinguish this species from the very similar S. subellipticum. In extreme forms, the two can be indistinguishable, but S. obovatum is generally larger and occurs in more sheltered, shaded habitats.
S. obovatum has a broad distribution north of the Central Belt in Scotland.
Nardia scalaris
Glen Nant NNR, Argyll
This liverwort is described in the Liverworts of Ben Lawers NNR section of the site.
N. scalaris is very common and can be found across Scotland in suitable habitat.
N. scalaris is very common and can be found across Scotland in suitable habitat.
Marsupella emarginata
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
Glen Loin SSSI, Arrochar
Falls of Falloch, Loch Lomond
Britain's commonest Marsupella is very widespread in Scotland, from mountain slopes down to damp woodland.
The recurved leaf margins that distinguish this species can be difficult to see, even under a microscope, but examination of a range of leaves will usually reveal them to be present. In many areas, this is the only Marsupella present, with most other species being restricted to specialised habitats, especially high in the mountains.
Paton's Liverwort Flora recognises three varieties in Britain, although one of these, var.aquatica, is elevated to species status in the most recent Checklist of European Liverworts.
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
The recurved leaf margins that distinguish this species can be difficult to see, even under a microscope, but examination of a range of leaves will usually reveal them to be present. In many areas, this is the only Marsupella present, with most other species being restricted to specialised habitats, especially high in the mountains.
Paton's Liverwort Flora recognises three varieties in Britain, although one of these, var.aquatica, is elevated to species status in the most recent Checklist of European Liverworts.
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
Marsupella stableri
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
This very small Marsupella is quite distinctive in appearance, due its consistently pink-purple colours and very narrow, stringy appearance. Microscopically, the narrow stems have a distinctive groove along their length due to the leaves not overlappping at their bases. Individual leaves are acutely-lobed.
The specimen in this photo was confirmed microscopically by Tom Blockeel.
In Scotland, M. stableri is restricted to the Highlands, mostly in the west, but with a disjunct groups of records from the Cairngorms.
The specimen in this photo was confirmed microscopically by Tom Blockeel.
In Scotland, M. stableri is restricted to the Highlands, mostly in the west, but with a disjunct groups of records from the Cairngorms.
Gymnomitrion obtusum
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
Lochnagar, CairngormsBritain's most widespread Gymnomitrion, G.obtusum is fairly common in the Scottish Highlands on exposed acidic rocks, where it forms distinctive pale greyish-white cushions. In this respect, it is rather different to the other widespread species, G.concinnatum, which tends to be yellow-brown and normally grows on soil.
Under a hand lens, the two species are easy to distinguish when dry, as G. obtusum has mostly rounded leaf apices, whereas those of G. concinnatum are much more pointed.
Under a hand lens, the two species are easy to distinguish when dry, as G. obtusum has mostly rounded leaf apices, whereas those of G. concinnatum are much more pointed.
Gymnomitrion concinnatum
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
G. concinnatum is described in the Liverworts of Ben Lawers section of the site.
It is a widespread liverwort in the Scottish Highlands and is also known from scattered sites in the Southern Uplands.
It is a widespread liverwort in the Scottish Highlands and is also known from scattered sites in the Southern Uplands.