Abstract: The morphological characteristics of gemma of 6 genera and 15 species in family Bryaceae were observed under the light microscope(LM) and scanning electron microscope(SEM). The results showed that the morphological characteristics of gemma could be look as a steady standard in identifying specimens. The discrepancy of morphological characteristics is great in different developmental phases of gemma. The appearance of gemma depends on favourable conditions and tuberiferous species are often sterile.

Key words: gemma, Bryaceae, morphological characteristic, taxonomy