Conocephalum

/ˌkɒnəˈsɛfələm/ noun

Definition

A genus of liverworts (simple plant relatives) that have cone-shaped reproductive structures.

Etymology

From Greek kōnos (cone) + kephalē (head). The genus name literally means 'cone-head,' referring to the characteristic cone-like heads where these plants produce spores.

Kelly Says

Liverworts like Conocephalum are living fossils that have barely changed in 200 million years, and their cone-head reproductive structures are so distinctive that scientists basically named them 'Mr. Cone-Head' in Greek!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.