Common Pouchwort
Calypogeia fissa
Common Pouchwort (Calypogeia fissa) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive pouch-like structures (marsupium) that contain gemmae for asexual reproduction. This bryophyte forms low-growing mats with deeply divided, two-lobed leaves and plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by contributing to soil formation, moisture retention, and providing microhabitat for invertebrates.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Helen Waterman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Helen Waterman
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Marchantiophyta
Class
Jungermanniopsida
Order
Jungermanniales
Family
Calypogeiaceae
Genus
Calypogeia
Common Pouchwort belongs to the family Calypogeiaceae, order Jungermanniales, within the Jungermanniopsida class.
Species Profile
Common Pouchwort (Calypogeia fissa) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive pouch-like structures (marsupium) that contain gemmae for asexual reproduction. This bryophyte forms low-growing mats with deeply divided, two-lobed leaves and plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by contributing to soil formation, moisture retention, and providing microhabitat for invertebrates.
Common Pouchwort faces significant threats from habitat degradation due to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change affecting the moist, shaded environments it requires. Urban development and forest fragmentation have reduced suitable habitat availability, while changes in precipitation patterns and temperature regimes threaten the delicate moisture balance essential for this bryophyte's survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Moist, shaded environments including deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly on rotting logs, tree bases, and humus-rich soil in areas with consistent moisture. Also found on stream banks, in ravines, and other sheltered locations with stable humidity levels.
Threats
Air pollution and acid rain
Habitat fragmentation from urban development
Changes in canopy cover affecting microhabitat conditions
Climate change altering moisture regimes
Forest management practices reducing suitable substrates
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Common Pouchwort (Calypogeia fissa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/common-pouchwort