Abstract
Anemia colimensis, the most primitive known species of the genus, has been investigated with respect to gametophyte development and morphology. In the early stages the thalli are in general similar to those of species of Anemia which are charcterized by the development of an initially lateral marginal meristem. One significant difference was noted in the frequent appearance of meristematic zones on both sides of the young plate. One of these becomes the marginal meristem; the other eventually ceases activity. The mature gametophyte is a spherical cushion of complex organization, the result of extreme ruffling of the wings of the thallus and the remarkable abundance of filamentous outgrowths and deep lobing of the wings. This form of gametophyte is unique among the investigated anemias. It is proposed that the formation of a lateral meristem, the “Ceratopteris type” of prothallial development, is primitive in Anemia and that the “Adiantum type,” at least in the Schizaeaceae, is derived. This suggestion is discussed in relation to other possible interpretations.
Published Version
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