How can bryophytes reproduce from fragments of a gametophyte?

Bryophytes reproduce vegetatively through fragmentation, a process where portions of the gametophyte body separate and regenerate into new, complete organisms.12

In this process, each living fragment possesses the potential to develop into a new plant. The specific mechanisms vary by group:1

• Liverworts: Fragmentation often occurs as a natural result of growth. As the plant expands, older regions of attachment to the parent decay, allowing the growing fragments to separate. Additionally, during periods of drought, mature portions of the plant may die, while the remaining tips resume growth to produce a series of new plants.2
• Mosses: Small fragments of stems and leaves—and in some cases even individual leaf cells—can regenerate into new plants, provided there is sufficient moisture and appropriate environmental conditions.2

This form of asexual reproduction allows bryophytes to propagate efficiently, ensuring that individual fragments can establish themselves as independent, mature gametophytes.12