The main characteristics of hornworts are:
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Hornworts are spore producing plants.
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The presence of horn like capsule which gives its name hornworts.
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The gametophytic plant body is thallus which is dark green, flat and lobed.
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There is alternation of generation between the gametophyte in the sexual generation and the sporophyte in the asexual generation.
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The sporophyte depends on the gametophyte for food and moisture and is connected with it.
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The sporophyte is erect, elongate with tapering having the horn like or needle like capsule.
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The sporangium splits from the top to the base which releases the spores. The pseudo elater helps in releasing the spores.
