Anthoceros
Quick Summary
Anthoceros is a genus of hornworts, which are small, nonvascular plants belonging to the division Anthocerotophyta. These plants typically grow in damp soil or on rocks in tropical and temperate regions. Hornworts are considered ancient land plants, with the genus Anthoceros having a worldwide distribution.1
Traditionally classified as bryophytes alongside mosses and liverworts, molecular evidence now suggests hornworts have a distinct evolutionary history. Their gametophytes are flattened, lobed structures, while the sporophyte is a tapered cylinder dependent on the gametophyte for nutrients. Hornworts reproduce sexually via waterborne sperm. The classification of hornworts is still a subject of ongoing revision.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
hornwortThe largest genus, Anthoceros, has a worldwide distribution. Dendroceros and Megaceros are mainly tropical genera. Hornworts have an ancient lineage and are thought to be some of the earliest plants to have evolved on land.
Read MoreThe largest genus, Anthoceros, has a worldwide distribution. Dendroceros and Megaceros are mainly tropical genera. Hornworts have an ancient lineage and are thought to be some of the earliest plants to have evolved on land.
Read More
plantAnnotated classification…lacking an operculum; representative genus, Anthoceros. Division Marchantiophyta (liverworts) Gametophytes either “leafy” or dorsiventrally flattened (strap-shaped) and thalloid; leafy forms with leaves in 3 rows, 2 lateral and 1 below; leaves usually notched or lobed, with thickened midrib lacking; gametophytes with unicellular rhizoids; many chloroplasts per
Read More…lacking an operculum; representative genus, Anthoceros. Division Marchantiophyta (liverworts) Gametophytes either “leafy” or dorsiventrally flattened (strap-shaped) and thalloid; leafy forms with leaves in 3 rows, 2 lateral and 1 below; leaves usually notched or lobed, with thickened midrib lacking; gametophytes with unicellular rhizoids; many chloroplasts per
Read More