Guide to Liverworts of Oregon: Marchantia alpestris (Nees) Burgeff
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Synonym: Marchantia polymorpha subsp. montivagans Bischl. & Boisselier (Paton 2000).
Special Status: None
Recognition: Distinct from Marchantia polymorpha by the dentate ventral scale appendages. Distinct from Marchantia latifolia in the marginal teeth made of cells that project more than half their length; in Marchantia latifolia the teeth are formed from cells that project less than half their length. There is a complete lack of central stripe on the upper surface of this species while in Marchantia latifolia there is a discontinuous stripe of darker tissue.
Distribution: In wetlands or near water, on peat or muck; usually above 5000'/1500m elevation; fairly abundant in western Oregon.
Comments: See M. polymorpha for nomenclatural complexities in this genus.
Marys Peak, Benton Co., Oregon. DHW m1641. Left and middle: Thallus cross sections. Right: guard cells open, pore from below (inside of thallus looking out).
Benton Co., Oregon. DHW m1641. Ventral scales.
Waldo Lake, Lane County, Oregon. DHW m0618. Ventral scale appendage.
Highway 58 at Waldo Junction Meadow, Lane County, Oregon. Antheridiophores mature. Photo: Willis Keithley.
Skaftafell, Iceland. Des Callaghan.
Highway 58 at Waldo Junction Meadow, Lane County, Oregon. Gemma cup. Photo: Willis Keithley.