Pterophyta [audio pronunciation]

General features of the fern allies

Common name

Ferns

Synonyms

Pteridophyta, Filicophyta

Sporophyte growth habit

Stems, leaves, roots

Gametophyte growth habit

Photosynthetic thalli

Stele

Siphonostele or protostele

Undulipodia (“flagella”)

Several whiplash

Sexual reproduction

Homosporous or heterosporous

Representative genera

Azolla, Cyrtomium, Marsilea, Osmunda, Polypodium, Salvinia

Recognized by

Meiosporangium with annulus (not in all); meiosporangia often in clusters (sori) on undersides of leaves

jcclark@csupomona.edu
© 2002 by Curtis Clark