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Spore capsule

Legend:

1  spore capsule
3  operculum
4  calyptra
2  peristome

English name: Undulate atrichum moss
Scientific name: Atrichum undulata
Familia: Polytrichaceae
Classis: Bryopsida (= Musci)
Phylum: Bryophyta
Regnum: Plantae

The spores in the spore capsule of a moss are haploid. As a result of desiccation of the peristome the capsule shears and the operculum opens, allowing the spores to spread around. The calyptra is a remnant of the (haploid) gametophyt

http://www.vcbio.science.ru.nl/en/image-gallery/show/print/PL0239/print/

last modified: 5 Jun 2014