Phylum Marchantiophyta are commonly known as the “liverworts” due to the shape of hepatic liverworts resembling the shape of the liver. According to an old medical doctrine, this resemblance indicated liverworts could cure illnesses of the liver. Liverworts are located on nearly every continent, inhabiting a diverse array of ecosystems. They may be found in harsh environments that many organisms find difficult to live and reproduce, however liverworts are not generally found in salty aquatic environments such as the ocean.