Conocephalum

Conocephalum is a genus of complex thalloid liverworts in the order Marchantiales and is the only extant genus in the family Conocephalaceae. Some species of Conocephalum are assigned to the Conocephalum conicum complex, which includes several cryptic species. Conocephalum species are large liverworts with distinct patterns on the upper thallus, giving the appearance of snakeskin. The species Conocephalum conicum is named for its cone-shaped reproductive structures, called archegoniophores. Common names include snakeskin liverwort, great scented liverwort and cat-tongue liverwort.

Species of Conocephalum are relatively common and widely distributed throughout North America, Europe and East Asia. Conocephalum often occurs in moist and shaded habitats and are also found in open woodlands, sandy banks, wet rocks and cliffs and moist soils. Species of Conocephalum are also often associated with calcareous substrates.

Conocephalum has a relatively large thallus with irregular branching. Plants grow by overlapping lobes, often creating large mats. Regarding reproduction, species of Conocephalum are dioicous. Species of Conocephalum produce different terpenes and aromatic compounds. Considerable variation in species have been identified based on chemical composition and different species have been identified baed on their unique compounds. A unique sesquiterpene alcohol known as conocephalenol was identified and extracted form C. conicum.