About Lophocolea semiteres (Lehm.) Mitt.
Lophocolea semiteres (Lehm.) Mitt. is a small, non-vascular bryophyte with a prostrate, creeping growth habit across its substrate. The plants are yellowish, with rounded lateral leaves that mostly have entire margins. Leaves become progressively emarginate to distinctly two-lobed near terminal archegonia, which are surrounded by a leafy perianth. Male plants are more common and highly distinctive. Antheridia grow intercalary on shoots, and are protected by modified saccate leaves. The native range of Lophocolea semiteres is pan-south-temperate. In New Zealand, it occurs on the main North, South, and Stewart Islands, as well as the offshore Campbell, Chatham, and Kermadec Islands. In Australia, it grows in all states and territories except the Northern Territory and Queensland. The species' type locality is Teufelsberg, in southern Africa. L. semiteres is also found in southern South America and southern temperate oceanic islands. It has been introduced to Europe and the British Isles, where it is classified as an invasive species. Lophocolea semiteres is a xeric-tolerant liverwort, and is one of the most widespread and common members of the Lophocoleaceae, if not the Jungermaniineae, especially in Australia. It can grow on soil and mortar, in lawns and gardens, and also in moist indigenous forests. In its introduced range, it generally grows on earthy or sandy banks.
