Mike Nelson, age 10, of Rome, N.Y., for his question:

WHAT IS A LIVERWORT?

A liverwort is a small green plant that is closely related to ~zf moss. It can be found growing in most parts of the world.

You'll find liverwort growing in damp, shady places. Often it is found on rocks and bark and sometimes in water. The main body of the plant, which looks like a leaf, is called the thallus.

Liverworts get their name because the thallus is often shaped like the human liver. Superstitious people used to say that the plant cured liver diseases.

Tiny rootlets grow from the underside of the thallus. They absorb water and the minerals that the liverwort needs for nourishments. The rootlets also hold the plant to rocks and trees.