Reproduction of Nephrolepsis

Nephrolepsis

Division      :         Tracheophyta

Sub division         :         Pteropsida

Class           :         Leptosporangiatae

Order          :         Filicales

Family        :         Dennstaedtiaceae

Genus         :         Nephrolepsis

The genus Nephrolepsis is a tropical fern with about 30 species. Most of the species are found in terrestrial habitats. Some species are epiphytes e.g., N. volubilis and N. ramosa. Several species are grown as ornamental plants. In India, there are 5 species. Of these,N. acuta and N. tuberosa are common species.

Reproduction

Vegetative reproduction is by death and decay of the underground rhizome. The rhizome is dichotomously branched and grows indefinitely. When the death and decay of rhizome reaches up to the point of dichotomy, both the branches separate and each grows into a new plant.

Reproduction by spores: Sori, formed on the lower side of the mature pinnae, are arranged in two rows; one on either side of the midvein. The sori are groups of sporengia. They are superficial in origin and arise at the tips of veinlets. They are distinct and maintain their individuality. Some species of

Nephrolepis show fusion of adjacent sori. Each sorus has an indusium which covers the sorus. The indusium is reniform i.e., kidney-shaped, roundish or sub-orbicular.

Each sporangium is mounted on a long stender stalk. The annulus consists of thick-walled cells extending from the base to almost three-fourth of the capsule. The distal end of annulus has a strip of thin-walled cells. This region is called stomium. Each sporangium produces 32-64 haploid spores after meiotic division of spore mother cells.

At maturity, the annulus tears the sporangial wall from the stomium and turns backward. This kind of dehiscence leads to the release of spores.

Gametophyte       (Prothallus)

Upon germination, each haploid spore develops into a multicellular chlorophyllous filament. The filament further develops into a flat, green coloured and more or less heart-shaped prothallus or gametophyte. A mature prothallus is 3-8mm in diameter with rhizoids which anchor the prothallus in the soil.

 The male sexorgan (Antheridium) and female sexorgan (Archegonium) are produced in the prothallus. Antheridia are found in the basal central region and archegonia are found near the apical notch of the prothallus.

Each mature antheridium produces 30-40 multiflagellate male gametes or antherozoids.

Each mature archegonium is differentiated into neck which is composed of four vertical rows of cells and a basal venter. The venter contains a single large ovum or egg.