Sphaerocarpos texanus

Phylum: Marchantiophyta

Family: Sphaerocarpaceae

Genus: Sphaerocarpos

Scientific Name: Sphaerocarpos texanus Austin

Common Name	Texas Balloonwort
Quick & Dirty ID	Tiny Green Bubbles

Image Gallery Distinguishing Features

Distribution Map Relevant Literature

Image Gallery

iNaturalist

Distinguishing Features

A rarely-noticed but seemingly weedy species of disturbed soils, Sphaerocarpos texanus is amongst the most charismatic of liverworts in the region on account of its abundant, submillimeter “balloons”. These structures actually enclose the reproductive organs, with the underlying leaves of the plant even less distinct, even with a hand lens.

Similar species

No other bryophyte in the region resembles this species.

Habitat

Seasonally saturated and frequently disturbed fine soils in open areas (trail sides, parking lot edges, campsites, dirt tracks, sloughed-over moss mats) at low elevations.

Associated species

Gemmabryum barnesii, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, Cephaloziella divaricata, Fossombronia spp. Riccia spp.

Distribution Map

Relevant Literature

Godfrey, J.D. (1977). Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of southwestern British Columbia . [Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia]. UBC cIRcle.
Hong, W. S. (2007). Scapania. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico (Vol. 3) . Oxford University Press.
Wagner, D. H. (2013). Guide to the liverworts of Oregon: Scapania undulata . Oregon State University Herbarium.