gametophores
A gametophore is a plant structure that bears the gametes, the reproductive cells. In mosses and liverworts, which are bryophytes, gametophores are specialized aerial shoots that develop from the gametophyte generation. These structures are often visible as upright stalks and are responsible for producing the gametangia, the male and female reproductive organs.
The male gametophore, known as the antheridiophore, bears antheridia which produce sperm. The female gametophore, called
The morphology of gametophores can vary between species of mosses and liverworts, providing distinguishing characteristics for