Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) are small flowerless plants that are prone to drying out because of their size. They therefore grow best
in humid conditions and the moist and sheltered microclimate within the Fen suits them well. They are generally not very good at growing on soil amongst other vegetation but the Fen has an excellent assortment of 'epiphytic bryophytes' which grow on the bark of trees. Many of these produce fragments called 'gemmae' at the tips of the leaves or branches which are washed off by rain and grow into new plants.
Orthotrichum pulchellum, a neat cushion-forming epiphyte, enjoying the conditions of the Fen and fruiting abundantly
Cryphaea heteromalla (moss) with the characteristic fertile branches that grow out from the surface.
Ulota phyllantha, a cushion-forming moss with clusters of brownish gemmae at the tips of the leaves.
Cololejuenea minutissima, perhaps the smallest liverwort on the Fen, with the flat branches of Metzgeria furcata (a thallose liverwort).
Metzgeria violacea, an intricate thallose liverwort with clusters of green gemmae at the tips of the branches.
Radula complanata, a leafy liverwort growing flat against the bark.