The Evolutionary Dynamics of Apomixis in Ferns: A Case Study from Polystichoid Ferns

Figure 3

Apomictic reproduction in Cyrtogonellum caducum, observation from gametophyte cultures obtained from spores of GZY-LB. (A) Heart-shaped prothallium with rhizoids (bottom of the image) and sporophytic outgrowth (arrow). (B) Close up of the early stage sporophytic outgrowth without differentiated organs (arrow), no indication for any archegonium was recovered. (C) Early stage of sporophytic outgrowth developed from somatic cells (arrow). (D) Close up of a mature antheridium (arrow) with spermatozoids. (E) Close up of the sporophytic outgrowth (arrow) with the differentiation of the first leaf. (F) Close up of the prothallium showing a slightly older sporophytic outgrowth (arrow) with one leave and one root located closely to the notch. (G) Sporophytic outgrowth at the notch of the gametophyte (upper arrow); the first root is already developed (lower arrow).