Abstract:The spores of Blechnum orientale L. were cultured in mixed soil. The spore germination and the gametophytic development were observed under microscope. The spores are dark-brown, monolete, bean-shaped in equatorial view and elliptical in polar view. The spores germinate about one week after sowing. The germination is of Vittaria type and the gametophyte development is of Aspidium type. Prothallial plates begin to form when the filaments develop up to 5-10 cells, The young prothalli are developed in two weeks after sowing. Mature prothalli are cordate-shaped. Profuse unicellular hairs occur on the surface and margin of the prothalli. The archegonia form in one month after sowing. The archegonial neck is usually composed of four rows of cells and 3- 5 cell layers high when matured. The antheridia appear about 10 days earlier than archegonia. Antheridia are shaped like pellets consisting of three cells. Young embryos can be observed from prothalli about 2 weeks after fecundation.
