California Liverwort (Asterella californica, Marchantiophyta) - with gemmae
These are small Liverwort (Marchantiophyta) plants in the canyon - probably the California Liverwort (Asterella californica), but I don't really know. Those little tongue-like structures with tiny bumps on the leaves are the flat asexual buds known as gemmae which will splash out in the rain when mature. Some plants produce them, others don't. I guess it's always good to have a backup! (San Marcos Pass, 9 February 2014)
California Liverwort (Asterella californica, Marchantiophyta) - with gemmae
These are small Liverwort (Marchantiophyta) plants in the canyon - probably the California Liverwort (Asterella californica), but I don't really know. Those little tongue-like structures with tiny bumps on the leaves are the flat asexual buds known as gemmae which will splash out in the rain when mature. Some plants produce them, others don't. I guess it's always good to have a backup! (San Marcos Pass, 9 February 2014)