A study of Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes and Camptosorus rhizophyllus (L.) Link with an emphasis on spore morphology : [an honors thesis (HONRS 499)]

This study was made in order to learn about substantiating a possible taxonomic relationship between Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes and Camptosorus rhizophyllus (L.) Link. Through an acquaintance with methods of spore analysis and simple slide preparation, it was possible to make observations of the gross morphology and the spore morphology which these two fern species possess. As a result of the kind cooperation of the Indiana University Herbarium and the Chicago Natural History Museum it was possible to examine borrowed specimens of Asplenium ebenoides (Scott) Wherry, a reported hybrid of A. platyneuron and C. rhizophyllus. In addition to indirect studies, an attempt was made to grow specimens of both A. platyneuron and C. rhizophyllus. By applying three different methods of culturing the fern spores, it was hoped that sufficient material could be obtained for comparative chromosome counts of the ferns.