Tritomaria exsectiformis

Tritomaria exsectiformis
Phylum: Marchantiophyta
Family: Scapaniaceae
Genus: Tritomaria
Synonyms: Diplophyllum exsectiforme (Breidl.) Warnst., Jungermannia exsectiformis Breidl., Lophozia exsectiformis (Breidl.) Jaap, Sphenolobus exsectiformis (Breidl.) Steph.
Common NameLarge Cut Notchwort
© Julia Carr
iNaturalist
© Julia Carr
iNaturalist
© Randal Mindell
iNaturalist
© Connor Wardrop
iNaturalist
© Julia Carr
iNaturalist

Distinguishing Features

Asymmetrically 3-lobed leaves that are longer than wide and frequently crowned in clusters of bright-red gemmae are a good indicator of Tritomaria exsecta. The leaf apices are acute, underleaves are absent and the gemmae, when examined under a microscope, are angular. These plants typically rest horizontally against the tree trunks and decaying organic matter that they call home, with golden green shoots up to 2 cm long and 2 mm wide.

Similar species

See table for comparison to other species of Tritomaria and Trilophozia. This species can only be distingushed from the exceedingly similair T. exsecta by examining the gemmae under the microscope. In that species, the gemmae are smooth, while in T. exsectiformis, they are angular.

Habitat

Associated species

Distribution Map

Relevant Literature