MORPHOGENESIS OF THE SEXUAL PHASE IN BLEC HNUM-CHILENSE AND BLECHNUM-CYCADIFOLIUM (PTEROPHYTA, BLECHNACEAE)

The results of morphogenetic studies of the sexual phase of Blechnum c hilense and B. cycadifolium are presented in this paper. In both speci es the spores are monolete, ellipsoidal, non-chlorophyllous, and the g ermination is of the Vittaria-type. The development pattern of the pro thallia is of the Aspidium-type in B. cycadifolium for the unicellular , papilated and secretory trichomes, and the Adiantum-type in B. chile nse, whose prothallia are naked. The adult gametophyte of B. cycadifol ium is cordate-spatulate and with trichomes and in B. chilense, it is cordate-reniform and naked. The gametangia of B. chilense are of the c ommon type of the leptosporangiate ferns. The first leaves appeared af ter 4 1/2, months in B. chilense and in B. cycadifolium after 7 months of culture.