Studies on the Gametophyte Development of Hypodematium crenatum (Forssk.) Kuhn
肿足蕨的配子体发育研究

The spores of Hypodematium crenatum (Forssk.) Kuhn were artificially cultured, and the spore germination and gametophyte development were observed under the microscope. Spores were bean-shaped in equatorial view and elliptical in polar view, monolete, perispore with folds, dark brown. The spore germination belonged to the Vittaria-type, while the gametophyte development is Aspidium-type. The mature prothallium was cordate and bearing two kinds of trichomes (papillary and long needle-like). The rhizoids were bifurcated and enlarged. The mature prothallium is bisexual. The antheridia consist of 3 cells and varied antheridia at different developmental stages occurred on one prothallium. The archegonia are long and always curved to growing point. The characteristics of spore germination and gametophyte development of H. crenatum was relatively advanced and showing a highly adaptation to the limestone environment.