A further common means of reproduction in the gametophyte is through shedding fragments of leaves or other parts of the plant body, which can then regenerate into new plants. In some species specialised groups of cells known as gemmae are produced for this purpose. There are certain clear-cut differences between mosses and liverworts. In mosses, following spore germination, but preceding development of the mature gametophyte plant, a juvenile stage known as a protonema forms. This is absent or much reduced in liverworts.
Many liverworts have leaves which are deeply lobed or divided .
No mosses have leaves like this. Very few mosses have this sort of arrangement of leaves. Many mosses have leaves with a thickened nerve . Once the main characteristics of each type are known there is usually no danger of confusion. There are a few species which might cause dificulties for the beginner,however.