Plagiochila, Genus, spp., Multiple species,

Genus
Multiple species

plagiochila liverworts

Worldwide (richest in tropics and Southern Hemisphere)

SunFull Shade – Part Shade

Overview

Plagiochila is a very large genus of leafy liverworts in the family Plagiochilaceae, with hundreds of species growing on tree bark, rock, soil, and rotting wood in humid forests, especially in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere. The leafy shoots are 1-6 inches (2.5-15 cm) long, creeping to upright or pendent, branching in a single plane to give a flattened, frond-like spray. The leaves are arranged in two rows, broad and rounded, and edged with sharp teeth on the outer margin, a feature that gives the genus much of its character. Underleaves are tiny or absent. Colour ranges from bright to deep green, sometimes brownish in exposed sites. Plagiochila favours constantly humid, shaded habitats and is a major part of the bryophyte cover in cloud forests and oceanic woodland, draping trunks, branches, and boulders. Many species produce few capsules and spread instead by fragments and shoots. The genus contains many chemical compounds, some studied for scent and biological activity. Toothed leaf margins and flattened, frond-like branching make the genus recognisable, though the many species are hard to separate without close study.

Native Range

Plagiochila is widespread worldwide but richest in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere, growing on tree bark, rock, soil, and rotting wood in humid forests, cloud forests, and oceanic woodland. A few species reach cool temperate regions in humid, sheltered sites.

Suggested Uses

Plagiochila is grown in humid terraria and vivaria on bark and stone for green, frond-like cover, and it indicates clean air and undisturbed humid forest. The genus is studied for its many natural chemical compounds and as a major part of tropical and oceanic bryophyte communities.

How to Identify

Identify by the flattened, frond-like leafy liverwort shoots branching in one plane, with two rows of broad, rounded green leaves edged with sharp teeth on the outer margin and tiny or absent underleaves. The toothed leaf margins and frond-like sprays separate Plagiochila from smoother-leaved leafy liverworts, though species need close study.

Appearance

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Liverworts do not flower. Plagiochila reproduces by spores from capsules on short stalks, but many species fruit rarely and spread mainly by detached shoots and fragments. Vegetative spread keeps populations going where capsules are scarce.

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Shade SunPartial Shade

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plagiochila grows on bark, rock, soil, and rotting wood in constantly humid, shaded forest, needing high humidity and clean, moist air. It cannot tolerate prolonged drying or pollution and declines where forests are opened or air quality falls. The genus is grown by specialists in humid terraria and vivaria on bark and stone with steady moisture and shade. Strong light and dry air reduce it. Established patches spread on their own by branching growth and fragments.