SPORE MORPHOLOGY OF NEW-ZEALAND AZOLLA-FILICULOIDES LAM (SALVINIACEAE)

Sporocarps, megaspores, and microspores of Azolla filiculoides are des cribed from fresh fertile material from the South Island of New Zealan d. Size estimates are given along with light and scanning electron mic roscope photographs. A brief discussion of spore morphology, perine su bstructure, and leaf trichomes is given with regard to the taxonomy of A. filiculoides and A. rubra. Differences between these taxa with reg ard to sporoderm substructure and the presence of filaments on the col lar of the megaspore support their separation but may be considered in sufficient to justify maintaining taxonomic separation beyond varietal status for rubra.