Marchantia Sporophyte

These mature sporophytes are the asexual reproductive form for the Marchantia order of Bryophytes, moss-like plants of the division Bryophyta, also known as liverworts, or "liver plants." The thallus, part of the plants' anatomy, has the appearance of a lobed liver, which gave rise to the name. Bryophytes are ancient plants and have a worldwide distribution, but most commonly are found in the tropics. Liverworts don't contribute directly to the human economy, but do provide food for animals, facilitate the decay of fallen trees, and help disintegrate rocks.