ThelypteridaceaeThelypteridaceae
GENERA (5) include Thylepteris, Phegopteris, Macrothelypteris, Pseudophegopteris, and Cyclosorus.
THE THELYPTERIDACEAE are characterized by two vascular bundles at the base of each petiole.
SORI are spherical to elongate, and borne on the lower surface of leaves. If an indusium is present, it is reniform.
SPORANGIA are borne in sori, or (rarely) on the leaf tissue. The annulus is vertical, and interrupted by the stalk.
SPORES are homosporous, and lack chlorophyll. They are generally monolete and ellipsoidal, but may be spherical or trilete.
STEMS may be erect, decumbent or long-creeping. Stout to slender, they are usually indurated and bear scales.
PETIOLES lack stipules.
LEAVES are entire, or (usually) pinnate, and range from 10 cm - 5 m in length. They are circinate in bud, and bear trichomes.
THE VASCULAR CYLINDER is dictyostelic.
THE GAMETOPHYTE is epigeal, and photosynthetic. More or less obcordate, it is slightly thickened centrally, and often bears trichomes and/or glands. Archegonia and antheridia are mostly borne centrally on the lower surface.