Mannia fragrans

Mannia fragrans
Phylum: Marchantiophyta
Family: Aytoniaceae
Genus: Mannia
Common NameFragrant Macewort
FrequencyInfrequent
© Brian Starzomski
iNaturalist
© Braden Judson
iNaturalist
© Braden Judson
iNaturalist
© John Reynolds
iNaturalist
© Nathan Earley
iNaturalist

Distinguishing Features

An interior species of seasonally-saturated fine soils, Mannia fragrans has a matte green, narrow thallus (~2-3 mm wide) with pores on the upper surface that give it a polka-dotted pattern. When fertile, the dichotomously branched thallus births a carpocephalum (see photo) from the tips of its thallus. This structure is composed of a long stalk fringed by clusters of white scales both at its base and at the junction with the fruiting head. The carpocephalum lacks linear white scales surrounding the developing black capsule. When sterile, this species can be recognized by the scales on the underside of the thallus that are purple near their base before turning white as they approach the margin (see photo).

Similar species

Habitat

Associated species

Distribution Map

Relevant Literature