Reproductive Biology of Aglaomorpha meyeniana (Polypodiaceae; Pteridophyta)

Abstract

連珠蕨為臺灣原生著生性蕨類，因數量稀少而被列為最受害物種，本研究針對有性生殖途徑加以檢視，並評估此一物種進行移地有性繁殖的可行性。經觀察本種孢子葉於5－9月成熟並釋出孢子，新鮮孢子播灑後5天開始發芽，培養三週後發芽率高達96％，配子體發育包括「鐵線蕨」及「槲蕨」型，成熟配子體為心臟型，孢子播灑6週後，藏精器開始出現，藏卵器則延至第8週才出現。配子體在培養12週後，經受精作用產生幼孢子體，幼孢子體經過6個月的培養，存活率可達100％，證明連珠蕨可藉由孢子培養達到大量繁殖之目的，以降低野外族群遭受採集的壓力。

Aglaomorpha meyeniana is an epiphytic fern native to Taiwan. It has been classified as a vulnerable species because of its rarity. This study focused on its reproductive biology and evaluated the practicality of situ sexual propagation. Sporophyll matured and released spores from May to September. Fresh spores began to germinate within 5 days. Germination rate reached 96% after 3 weeks culture. Development of gametophytes included both "Vittaria" and "Drynaria" types. Mature gametophytes were heart-shaped. Antheridia were produced after 6 weeks culture. Archegonia were not produced until after 8 weeks culture. Young sporophytes were produced by 12 weeks culture after fertilization. All sporophytes survived after 6 months culture. The culture of spores should be an effective method of reproduction and lessen the pressure of human collection.