It is not rare. Not yet. But the conocephalum liverwort faces increasing pressure from habitat degradation throughout New Zealand forests. This large liverwort reaches about 10 centimetres in width, with distinctive cone-shaped reproductive structures that rise above the thallus. The thallus is flat and lobed, coloured bright green, with a honeycomb pattern on the surface. The species inhabits damp shaded rocks and soil banks throughout the North and South Islands. It prefers moist fertile sites with high humidity, thriving where rainfall is consistent and drainage is good. Unlike mosses, it has no true leaves or stems. Instead, it grows as a flat thallus that spreads across wet surfaces. Reproductive structures are cone-shaped and borne on stalks above the thallus. Spores are released from these cones into the air, drifting on wind currents until they land on suitable substrate. Diet consists of nutrients obtained through photosynthesis and absorption from moisture via rhizoids. The plant does not consume organic matter directly but rather extracts minerals and water from surrounding substrate. This autotrophic lifestyle allows it to thrive in nutrient-rich moist soils where competition is moderate. Classified as Not Threatened, conocephalum liverwort remains widespread throughout New Zealand. Populations are stable in suitable habitat. However the species is sensitive to habitat disturbance. When forests are logged or modified, populations decline rapidly. Its presence signals intact mycorrhizal networks and healthy forest ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining native forests from logging and development to maintain these critical underground connections.