The Non Vascular Plants (Bryophytes)

The first plants to colonize the earth were the Bryophytes. These primitive plants were single celled, but later evolved into complex structures. Bryophytes are primitive because they lack the “plumbing” needed to move water around their systems. All members of the Bryophytes lack vascular tissues that transport water. Instead they rely on osmosis & capillary action to move water around. This is why these plants are often referred to as The Non Vascular Plants or the “Lower Plants”. The lack of vascular tissues greatly limits the size & complexity of Non Vascular Plants.

Members of the Bryophytes include:

Hornworts – commonly encountered under bright shade in moist humid areas (often in forests or greenhouses). These plants appear as “leafy moss".

Liverworts (aka the Marchantiophyta) are commonly encountered in cool moist damp places. These plants appear as leafy moss.

Mosses (this is a large group of Bryophytes) – are found in all areas of the world in all climates. These plants can become desiccated only to be “resurrected” when re hydrated.