The morphology of Stauropteris oldhamia Binney

Abstract

The mode of branching of the frond of Stauropteris oldhamia Binney, previously described up to the rachises of the 4th order (BERTRAND, 1907-9) has now been described up to the minute tips, viz. the rachises of the 5th and 6th orders. The aphlebiae are shown to be branched structures, consisting of up to 13 divisions which arise by fundamentally dichotomous branching. The aphlebial divisions have a fibrous structure and are supplied with minute vascular strands. The morphological nature of the aphlebiae is discussed. Ia the light of the present findings a new reconstruction of a part of the frond of Stauropteris oldhamia is given.