Metzgeria violacea Blueish Veilwort

A dioicous, epiphytic thallose liverwort which is found commonly on species such as willow, ash, elm and hazel. It prefers less acid bark than Metzgeria consanguinea but the two species sometimes occur together. They differ in the form of their gemmae branches and the location of gemmae on them (see description on Metzgeria consanguinea). The blobs of gemmae at the top of the upright gemmae stalks of Metzgeria violacea are very distinctive (see photo). When very dry, the thallus turns a blueish colour. It is common in Britain, except for much of Scotland, but it is less common in Wales than Metzgeria consanguinea although it appears to have become more common in recent decades. It is found frequently throughout West Glamorgan. Female plants are more common than males and sporophytes are rare.