Mosses, liverworts and other nonvascular plants are often called primitive plants, which in a way diminishes their vibrancy and innovation.

These are the plants that first colonized the land masses of Earth. Even after hundreds of millions of years, they still thrive and are among the most diverse of plant groups. It’s worth examining these plants and discussing the unique qualities which allow them to survive where no other plants can. It’s also important to understand their role in the larger environment and how so many living things depend on them.