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Bryophytes
o Some studies stated that byrophytes are the second largest group of land plants after
angiosperms (Bryophytes have differentiated plant body like stem and leaf structures. But
they lack a vascular system).
o Bryophytes are found in both land and aquatic habitats (amphibians).
o Bryophytes are popular remedy among the tribal people of different parts of the world.
Bryophytes are used to cure hepatic disorders, skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases,
antipyretic, antimicrobial and wound healing.
o Bryophytes include mosses, hornworts and liverworts.
o The mosses contains approximately 8000 species, liverworts 6000 species and hornworts
200 species.
1. The economic importance of Bryophytes are as follows:
Source of fuel: Mosses in association with thallophytes in shallow waters of lakes, contain
huge amount of lime that act as rock builders. Developed countries like Sweden, Germany,
Finland and Russia use mosses as a source of fuel for generating natural gas.
2. The medicinal importance:
Some bryophytes possesses anti tumor activities against different cancer cell lines and this
property of bryophytes still under investigation.
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