Hornworts
Hornworts (pronunciation: /ˈhɔːrnwɔːrts/) are a group of non-vascular plants constituting the division Anthocerotophyta. The common name refers to the elongated horn-like structure, which is the sporophyte.
Etymology
The term "Hornwort" comes from the shape of the sporophyte, which resembles a horn. The word is derived from the Old English "horn" and "wyrt", which mean "horn" and "plant", respectively.
Description
Hornworts are small, green, and usually form a rosette of leaves in damp habitats. They have a unique life cycle and possess certain features not found in other plants. For instance, they have a single large chloroplast per cell, unlike other plants.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of hornworts includes an alternation between a haploid gametophyte stage and a diploid sporophyte stage. The sporophyte grows from the gametophyte and remains attached to it. The sporophyte of a hornwort is unusual in that it grows continuously from a basal region, with the apex shedding off older parts.
Classification
Hornworts were traditionally considered a class within the division Bryophyta. However, they are now placed in their own division, Anthocerotophyta, due to their distinct characteristics.
Related Terms
See Also
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