The fruiting body of Treubia tasmanica (Marchantiophyta: Treubiaceae)

Abstract

Sporophytes of Treubia tasmanica R.M.Schust. & G.A.M.Scott, newly discovered in 2021, differ in several ways from what is generally accepted as ‘normal’ for liverworts. The seta is chlorophyllose, slow growing and persists after spore dispersal. While in growth the sporophyte is positively phototropic, and responsive to changes in light orientation on timescales of hours. There is some evidence the seta goes into senescence before expiring. The opened capsule valves are capable of closing in adverse weather and subsequently re-opening under dry conditions. These discoveries call for some revision of the assumption that all liverwort capsule valves are mere passive actors in the life of sporophytes once dehisced.