Gametophyte development and reproduction of Argyrochosma nivea (Pteridaceae)

Abstract

The gametophyte of Argyroschosma nivea was studied, mainly focusing in its morphological development, and in the apogamous production of sporophytes. Some observations on the spores were also made. As far as it is known, this is the second species of the genus whose gametophytes are studied. The germination pattern followed the Vittaria type. The subsequent developmental processes followed the Ceratopteris type. Some of the gametophytes reached an adult stage with a cordate, symmetric shape, but most of them developed as irregular, lobed prothalli. The sporophyte emerged from the anterior part of the prothallus, without formation of gametangia. First, a cell became active and originated a proliferating area of small cells. From this area, long glandular hairs were formed followed by a projected conical cluster of cells. The cluster elongated into a sporophytic structure and its apex became progressively spatulate and finally trilobulate, with marginal, glandular hairs, stomata and tracheids continuously produced. This sporophyte secreted granules of white farina from its beginnings. The production of farina in the sporophyte but not in the gametophyte could help to support the idea of the segregation of this species from its traditional location in Notholaena to Argyrochosma, as farinose gametophytes seem to be a synapomorphy of the notholenoids, group that includes Notholaena but not Argyroschoma.