AdiantaceaeAdiantaceae
GENERA (56) include Adiatum, Cryptogramma, Aspidotis, Notholaena, Cheilanthes, andPellaea.
THE ADIANTACEAE are often grouped within the Pteridaceae. The family is characterized by diverse leaf architecture, and fertile veins which enter the indusium where they bear the sori.
SORI are usually covered, when young, by reflexed margins of leaf segments. Mature sori are borne on modified marginal lobes.
SPORANGIA are thin-walled. The annulus is vertical, well-developed, and interrupted by the stalk.
SPORES are trilete, and globose. They are borne in groups of 32 or 64.
STEMS may be small and suberect, or slender and long-creeping. They bear both scales and numerous, fibrous roots.
PETIOLES are slender, with a single vascular bundle. They often eventually break off well above the ground.
LEAVES are monomorphic, and usually pinnately compound. They may be clustered or widely spaced, and range from 5 cm to 2 m long. Leaves are usually glabrous, sometimes glaucous, and are slightly scaly, pubescent, or farinose.
VENATION is free.
RHIZOMES are scaly.
THE GAMETOPHYTE:
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