sporophyte

the spore producing part of a plant; in liverworts the capsule matures first, when contained within the perianth or involucre. The capsule is then is elevated rapidly on a seta by thin walled cells that elongate when filled with water. The capsule wall quickly splits into four valves, shedding spores in a matter of minutes. The rapid dispersal of spores is facilitated by release of the spring-loaded elaters found mixed with spores of liverworts.