Results/Conclusions The transplant of the liverworts to positions outside the forest allowed an insight into their behaviour towards high light intensities and simultaneous presence of higher rainfall levels but also higher evaporation stress. Those conditions induced dramatic decreases in the contents of photosynthetic pigments in both species, as well as an increase in the lipid peroxide concentrations in Bazzania azorica, when compared with non transplanted plants.
These variations confirm the ability of bryophytes, even relatively rare ones, to modify their physiological characteristics in response to changing environmental conditions. It became obvious that the presence of Bazzania azorica at medium altitude required compensation factors, usually strong shade and shelter, as was shown by its preferential occupation of soil in shaded forests, and its death outside those conditions.
Although both liverworts may generally be considered shade plants, they differ in many respects such as preferential substrate, relative position in the forest, growth form and physiological behaviour, thus helping to explain their different geographical range. This study emphasizes the importance of dense humid laurel forests for the conservation of bryophytes in the Azores.