Grow Liverworts: Can Buttermilk Slurry Help?

[SkepticJ]

Like mosses, can liverworts be introduced into a new area by being blended up in a slurry with buttermilk and poured at the location? I figure this would be the case, since like mosses they're bryophytes and should survive the mastication, but wanted to check before I potentially waste perfectly good plants.

 

[jim mcnamara]

I don't know about buttermilk. But. Thallose liverworts have small cup like structures on the leaf - gemmae. In those cups are spores, the main way these guys reproduce and why they can take over an area and become a problem quickly. Like a greenhouse, for example.

Anyway, cut off parts of the plant with gemmae, slosh them around in a small jar of water, and pour the water + spores out onto a proper substrate or soil.

 

[oswaler]

I cannot provide a definitive answer without conducting experiments or research on this specific method. However, I can offer some insights based on my knowledge of liverworts and their growth habits.

Liverworts are a type of bryophyte, which are non-vascular plants that rely on water for reproduction and growth. They are typically found in moist and shaded areas, such as on rocks, tree trunks, and soil. Like mosses, liverworts reproduce through spores and can spread to new areas through wind or water.

Based on this information, it is possible that liverworts could be introduced into a new area by being blended in a slurry with buttermilk and poured at the location. However, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, liverworts are delicate plants and may not survive the blending process. Secondly, the buttermilk may not provide the necessary nutrients for the liverworts to thrive in the new location. Lastly, the location itself may not be suitable for liverwort growth, as they typically prefer moist and shaded environments.

In conclusion, while it is possible that liverworts could be introduced to a new area through a buttermilk slurry, it is not a guaranteed method and may not be the most effective way to grow them. It is always best to do further research and consult with experts before attempting any new methods in order to avoid wasting resources.