Sphaerocarpos texanus Austin

Taxonomic Identity

Sphaerocarpos texanus Austin is a small, thalloid, dioecious species of liverwort.

Sexual Dimorphism & Size

This species is sexually dimorphic: male plants, which bear antheridia, typically reach 3–5 mm in diameter, while female plants, which bear archegonia, can grow up to 12 mm in diameter.

Vegetative Morphology

Both male and female plants are bright green, and their thalli branch up to several times.

Life Cycle

This species is a winter annual that emerges in autumn and dies back in spring.

Spore Characteristics

A notable characteristic of this plant is that its spores form groups of four called tetrads.

Spore Germination Trait

Unlike most other liverwort species, the spores remain in these tetrads until they are ready to germinate.

Habitat Preferences

Sphaerocarpos texanus grows on flat, lightly shaded soil, most commonly alongside roadsides.

Distribution Range

It has a wide distribution across multiple continents, and its range is likely the broadest of any species in its genus.

Confirmed Occurrence Locations

Confirmed locations where it has been found include the United States, Uruguay, England, Germany, France, and Morocco.