The sporogonium of Marchantia hangs from the disc of mature archegoniophores. In a disc itself
24 or even more sporogonium may be developed. Each sporogonium is differentiated into three parts they are; 1. Foot, 2. Seta, 3. Capsule.
The sporogonium is enclosed in a protective covering known as calyptra. It ruptures when the sporogonium matures and when the seta elongates. The perigynium encloses single sporogonium and perichaetium encloses a group of sporogonium.
1. Foot: The basal anchor shaped part of the sporogonium is called as the foot. It consists of the parenchymatous tissue embedded in the gametophytic tissue. The foot anchors and absorbs the water and nutrients from the gametophyte.
2. Seta: It is the short thick part which connects the foot with the capsule. The seta consists of elongated parenchymatous cells helping in the conduction.
3. Capsule: Capsule is the oval and the main part of the sporogonium. It has a single layered wall which encloses mass of spores and also elaters. The elaters are long spindle shaped sterile cell having the spiral thickening on their walls.
The mature sporogonium is protected by three structure or covering the perigynium, calyptra and perichaetium. Spores are small and globose structures with the spore wall consisting of the exine and the intine, a single nucleus and small amount of cytoplasm.
