Habitat

Takakia ceratophylla has a similar habitat to Takakia lepidozoides, however it can also be found in late snow areas.

Gametophyte

Overall Structure:

The gametophytic characterisitics of Takakia ceratophylla are similar to Takakia lepidozoides.

Male Gametophyte:

Sexual structures are borne laterally on the stem and immersed among leaves.  Antheridia are blunt and stalked.

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction is cauducous. Brittle shoot apices fall off readily and propagate into new shoots.

Sporophyte

Sporangium:

At its apex, the sporangium is covered by a thin calyptra.

When mature, the sporangium is almost fully black and may persist for as long as a year. The sporangium is tapered at the apex and has no stomata. The sporogenous layer overarches the cylindrical columella.

During spore release, the sporangium twists open along a twisted line of dehiscence that moves hygroscopically to release spores. Spores are unicellular and their germination is still unknown.

Seta:

The seta is short and initially green.  The seta is composed of a cuticle and hydroids.

Elongation of the seta occurs prior to maturation of the sporangium. During the release of spores, the seta twists to the right.

Foot:

The foot is tapered and nutrient transfer is only directed towards the sporophyte, not the gametophyte.