Cladoradula | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Division: | Marchantiophyta |
Class: | Jungermanniopsida |
Order: | Radulales |
Family: | Radulaceae |
Genus: | Cladoradula (Spruce) M.A.M.Renner, Gradst., Ilk.-Borg. & F.R.Oliveira-da-Silva |
Type species | |
Cladoradula boryana (F.Weber) M.A.M.Renner, Gradst., Ilk.-Borg. & F.R.Oliveira-da-Silva
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Species | |
C. auriculata | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Cladoradula is a genus of liverworts in the family Radulaceae.[2] Distinguished by its thick, brown-pigmented stems and distinctive branching pattern, it comprises seven species found primarily in tropical and temperate forest regions worldwide. Originally established as a subgenus of Radula in 1885, it was elevated to genus rank in 2022 following molecular studies that revealed it represents one of the oldest lineages within Radulaceae, having diverged during the late Permian period about 263 million years ago. The genus is characterised by its specialised stem structure, distinctive leaf arrangement, and small protective structures around its reproductive organs. Species in the genus grow on tree bark or shaded rocks from sea level to over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in elevation.