The Comparative Studies on Megaspores of Thirteen Species in Selaginella

Objective:The aim of this work is to probe into micromophological character of megaspores of Selaginella and their significance in taxonomy.Method:Thirteen species were observed and photographed with scanning electron microscope.Results: Comparative studies on megaspores, especially ornamentation, of thirteen species in the genus of Selaginella that are first reported here.Conclusion:The size, shape, surface ornamentation, trilete, and the distribution of sporangium in sporophyll were found useful in taxonomy. The authors consider to identify thirteen species in Selaginella by micro-mophological character are reasonable.