Reproductive expression of cheilanthoid ferns (Pteridaceae) from South America

摘要

Highlights?The sporangia of Cheilanthes s.l. have 32 and/or 64 spores.?Adult gametophytes are orbicular, cordate, cordate-elongate or shortly-shaped.?The same species presents uni-bisexual or vegetative gametophytes.?In some species gametophytes produce vegetative buds.AbstractThe characteristics of the reproductive stage of eight neotropical cheilanthoid ferns species,Cheilanthes buchtienii,C. hieronymi,C. obducta,C. pilosa,C. sarmientoi,Gaga marginata,Myriopteris myriophylla, andM. notholaenoidesare presented. The study includes quantitative information on spores, germination, morphological development, and sexual expression. In vitro cultures were performed and analyzed with light microscopy and scanning electron. Th