The hepaticae of Utah

The Hepaticae, or liverworts, are small green plants mostly growing in damp or wet places, although a considerable number of them inhabit dry shady places, even in desert regions. As a whole, they are inconspicuous and, together with the mosses, lichens and other primitive forms of plant life, occupy a lower stratum of vegetation which seldom attracts attention. To the layman they form a vague background upon which more conspicuous plants are displayed. They are very tenacious of life and are able to endure lack of moisture and extremes of temperature. They may dry out completely for many months and revive within an hour or two when moisture returns.