Desarrollo del gametofito de <i>Lophosoria quadripinnata</i> (Filicales: Lophosoriaceae)

Abstract

The dormancy of spores of Lophosoria quadripinnata ranges from 8 to 12 days; the germination pattem is of the Cyathea-type and the prothallial development is of the Adiantum-type. Five-celled antheridia were observed after 72 days and the basally-Iocated archegonia appeared afier 270-285 days. The adult gametophytes are isodiametrical, short-winged, spatulate or cordiform, without pluricellular hairs. No sporophytes were obtained after three years in culture. The main differences between our observations and those of other authors ¡nelude the dormancy period, the type of prothallia, the number of cells in the antheridia and pluricellular hairs. In addition to the description of the gametophytes of Lophosoria found in the literature, our experiments in vitro contribute to extend the knowledge of this genus. Additional data which support the natural segregation of Lophosoria (Lophosoriaceae) from the rest of the Cyatheaceae, according to their gametophyte morphology, confirm the conelusions previously reached by other authors based on the characteristics of the sporophyte.