Metzgeriales-1

Hepatophyta-Metzgeriales -1

These are very similar to plants in the Marchantiales. They are generally less complex in their vegetative anatomy than Marchantia and its immediate relatives.

They are not very diverse as there are approximately 20 genera and 500 species.

Habitat = Very Wet

Their Growth Form is simple & Thallose.

They may be Unbranched or have Dichotomous Branching.

Branches may also emerge from the Midrib.This is sometimes irregular in appearance.

Key Anatomical Features
Lack Air Chambers	*This thallus of Monoclea* resembles a Green Alga (Chlorophyta)** Pelliaepiphylla Thalli
Lack Scales
Have Rhizoids
Gametangia = Sessile
The Seta elevates the Capsule above the Thallus.

The Pelliaceae & Pallaviciniaceae are the two most important families in this Order
An Apical Cell constitutes the Apical Meristem & thus have Apical Growth.
Dichotomous Branching can occur at the Apex.
The Ventral Mid Rib can also produce Branches

Thallus
The Thallus is Smooth & Translucent. *Unlike Marchantia* there is Little Tissue Differentiation.** All Cells are Chlorophyllous and they superficially resemble Chlorophyta. There is not the level of tissue differentiation seen with Marchantia. A Thickened "Midrib" is present. Rhizoids are produced from this region on the Ventral surface. The Midrib contains Xylem-Like Tissue!	Rhizoids are produced on the ventral side of the Midrib

Lecture Topics