Morfogénesis de la fase sexual de <i>Blechnum chilense</i> y <i>Blechnum cycadifolium</i> (Pterophyta: Blechnaceae)

Abstract

The results of morphogenetic studies of the sexual phase of Blechnum chilense and B. cycadifolium are presented in this paper. In both species the spores are monolete, ellipsoidal, non-chIorophyllous, and the germination is of the Vittaria-type. The development pattern of the prothallia is of the Aspidium-type in B. cycadifolium for the unicellular, papilated and secretory trichomes, and the Adiantum-type in B. chilense, whose prothallia are naked. The adult gametophyte of B. cycadifolium is cordate-spatulate and with trichomes and in B. chilense, it is cordate-reniform and naked. The gametangia of B. chilense are of the common type of the leptosporangiate ferns. The first leaves appeared after 4'/2 months in B. chilense and in B. cycadifolium after 7 months of culture.