[5] Later rediscovered in Japan and claimed to be sharing traits from both the liverworts and mosses based on genetic sequences and morphological characters.

Some features that are similar to mosses include the presence of columella, tapered foot, and calyptra; the elongation and twisting of the seta; and the absence of elaters.

[12] The tapered and deeply-lobed leaves of Takakia ceratophylla are irregularly spiral arranged and contain simple oil droplets and axillary hairs.

[13] The unique colourless intercalary rhizomatous branches functions to produce new stems and shoots.

The reproduction structure of the stalked antheridia and the lageniform archegonia are moss-like, and can be found buried in between the leaves on the lateral side of the stem.

[17] The seta and capsules are initially green, gradually turning into brown or black colour, and elongate or expand prior to the maturation of the sporangium.