Cryptomitrium

Cryptomitrium is a genus of complex thalloid liverworts in the family Aytoniaceae. The genus name means “hidden turban” in reference to the inconspicuous sheath around the immature sporangium.^[2]

Cryptomitrium
Cryptomitrium tenerum sporangiophore
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Marchantiophyta
Class:	Marchantiopsida
Order:	Marchantiales
Family:	Aytoniaceae
Genus:	Cryptomitrium Austin ex Underw.
Species[1]
C. himalayense Kashyap C. oreades Perold C. tenerum (Hook.) Austin ex Underw.
Synonyms[1]
Platycoaspis Lindb. Massalongoa Steph.

Description

Sporophyte bearing receptacles are unlobed on  elongate, somewhat grooved stalks, which appear pale throughout or brownish purple near the base. The receptacle is a convex-expanded disc, thinning towards the margins.^[2]

Mature sporangia are brown, nearly spherical with very short seta, three to seven per receptacle, each opening by a lid-like operculum. The sporangia mature in early spring.^[2]

Species

This genus includes the following species:^[1][3]

• Cryptomitrium himalayense Kashyap
• Cryptomitrium oreades Perold
• Cryptomitrium tenerum (Hook.) Austin ex Underw.