Compared gametophytic development of threespecies of <i>Phlebodium</i> (Polypodiaceae, <i>s.str</i>.)

Abstract

Comparison was made of the gametophytic development of Phlebodium araneosum, P. pseudoaureum and P. decumanum. Spores were collected from several Mexican localities ranging in altitude from 30 to 2300 m and sown on agar with mineral salts. Similarities in germination type and prothallial development were observed. Adult gametophytes are cordate-spatulate to cordate-reniforrn; garnetangia are of the typical type of the cornmon leptosporangiate fems. All three species share similar morphogenetic features of the gametophytes, and these do not l end additional characteristics to support the distinction of Phlebodium from Polypodium, Microgramma and Niphidium, as regard the sexual phase.