COMPARATIVE GAMETOPHYTE MORPHOLOGY OF SELECTED SPECIES OF THE FAMILY POLYPODIACEAE

Gametophyte morphology and growth habit of seven epiphytic species of six genera in the Polypodiaceae are described. In addition to the Dryn aria-type of early development, depicted previously in most of this fa mily and expressed in all species observed, the Ceratopteris-type, Adi antum-type, and Aspidium-type also occurred in some of the species obs erved. All species observed were long-lived, clone-forming, and withou t gemmae. The long-lived, clone-forming habit increases the space and rime occupied by gametophytes, and thus enhances the probability of in teraction with other gametophytes and the probability of intergametoph ytic mating in epiphytic habitats.