Abstract:The spores of Adiantum malesianum Chatak were cultured in 1/2MS medium. The spore germination and gametophyte development were observed by light microscope. The results showed that the mature spores were brown-red, opaque, tetrahedral type, actinomorphous, trilete. The spores germinated about six days after sowing. The spore germination belonged to the Osmunda-type, while the gametophyte development was of the Adiantum-type. The prothallial plates formed about 25 days after sowing. The mature cordate prothallus developed 50 days after sowing, gymnotremoid without trichomes. The sexual organs appeared 60 days after sowing, hermaphroditic. The antheridium was prolate spheroidal, consisting of three cells. Archegonial neck was usually composed of four rows of cells and three to five cells high at maturity.
