Deer Fern Sporangium
This is the sporangium of a Deer Fern. The attachment of the sporangiophore, part of which is still connected, is at the upper left.
Definition/Function
KINGDOM: Plantae DIVISION: Pteridophyta CLASS: Pteridopsida ORDER: Polypodiales (Sub: Eupolypods II) FAMILY: Blechinaceae (Polypodiaceae) GENUS: Blechnum SPECIES: spicant
The sporangium is the capsule in which the fern spores mature and the mechanism that then disperses them into the air. The two ends of the sporangium form the "bag" in which the spores mature. The sporangium is attached to the underside of the fern leaflet by the fibrous sporangiophore. When the spores are mature the sporangium releases the spores forcefully by snaping open.
Deer Fern, Blechnum spicant, is found in moist, maritime Northwest forests of North America and occasionally inland.
Significance in the Environment
The spores and sporangia are released in June to August.Characteristic Features
Associated Particles
References
Click here for images of over 15,000 pollens and spores. http://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Plants/deer%20fern.htmMickel, John T., 1979. HOW TO KNOW THE FERNS AND FERN ALLIES, Dubuque, Iowa. Wm. C. Brown.
