Archegoniophore in Marchantia

Explanation:
Archegoniophore is a structure that bears the female reproductive organ called archegonium. It is found in Bryophytes and Pteridophytes.

Marchantia is a genus of liverworts that belongs to the division Bryophyta. It is a thalloid liverwort that grows on the soil or rocks. The archegoniophore in Marchantia is a special branch that is developed from the main stem. It is also known as archegonial receptacle or female receptacle.

Features of Archegoniophore in Marchantia:
- Archegoniophore is a short, erect branch that arises from the ventral surface of the thallus.
- It is a specialized structure that bears the female sex organs called archegonia.
- The archegoniophore is surrounded by a group of leaves called perichaetium.
- The archegonia are present at the tip of the archegoniophore.
- Each archegonium consists of a venter that contains the female gamete and a long neck that opens to the outside through a small pore.
- The archegoniophore is differentiated from the vegetative thallus and is a reproductive structure.
- The fertilized egg develops into a sporophyte that remains attached to the archegoniophore.

Conclusion:
Hence, the correct answer is option 'C' Marchantia.

Archegoniophore is a stalk of a prothallium on which archegonia grows. Marchantia is a genus of liverworts. The thallus of Marchantia is dioecious in nature. It produces either female archegoniophores or male antheridiophores.