GAMETOPHYTUC DEVELOPMENT OF METAXYA-ROSTR ATA (FILICALES, METAXYACEAE)

The morphogenic process of the gametophyte Metaxya rostrata is charact erized by: a) germination of the Vittaria- type, b) development of a s hort initial filament, c) the early beginning of the laminar atage, an d d) the early replacement of the initial meristematic by a pluricellu lar meristem, which corresponds to the Asdiantum-type development. The antheridia seem to be similar to those previously described as typica l of the cyatheaceous ferns. After 270 days of cultivation, there were neither archegonia nor apogamous growths.