Chandonanthus

Chandonanthus is a genus of leafy liverworts belonging to the family Anastrophyllaceae. These small plants are primarily found in alpine and subalpine environments, often growing on rocks and soil in moist, exposed locations. They are distributed across various parts of the world, including temperate and arctic regions.

Characteristically, Chandonanthus species exhibit densely leafy stems and are known for their intricate leaf arrangements. The leaves are typically incubously inserted (with the dorsal margin overlapping the stem) and may be variously shaped, ranging from ovate to almost round. A key feature is the presence of underleaves, which are small, often bifid (two-lobed) or trifid (three-lobed) structures located on the ventral side of the stem, beneath the leaves.

Differentiation within the genus can be challenging, relying on subtle variations in leaf shape, cell structure, and the characteristics of the underleaves. The presence or absence of oil bodies within the leaf cells is also a diagnostic feature used in species identification.

Chandonanthus plays a role in the ecosystems where it occurs, contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat for small invertebrates.