Microhabitat Hydrology and Early Succession: Liverworts as Ecohydrological Indicators

ABSTRACT Liverworts belong to the oldest vascular‐free bryophytes, and thus with their preserved and unique hydrological processes, they may be the most appropriate models of plant–ecosystem interaction. Their adaptability and their simple morphology are conducive to a detailed structural examination. Some species of liverworts ( Calypogeia arguta , Metzgeria conjugata , Clevea hyalina and Riccia papillosa ) are mentioned for the first time in Uzbekistan. Annotation contains the data about their distribution, habitat, and location. The paper introduces the novel records of four liverworts, and their analysis by stereomicroscopy and light microscopy (LM). The new species recorded were C. arguta , M. conjugata , C. hyalina and R. papillosa . Microscopy characterization visualized detailed data on the following leaf characteristics: C. arguta presented minute papillae and irregular cells of the epidermis; M. conjugata presented a surface of high texture with small protrusions; C. hyalina presented a smooth shiny surface with only surface structures; and R. papillosa presented a rough texture surface with closely packed papillae. The results broaden the hypothesis of the bryoflora according to which the liverworts, due to the target micromorphological changes, can serve minor functions in the control of moisture in the microhabitat and during the initial phases of ecological vegetation and stability in riparian habitat.