Abstract

The ex situ culture by spores of Pteris chilensis Desv. is presented. The germination of spores occurred after 10-12 days, having the pattern of germination as Vittaria type. A filamentous gametophyte of 3-4 cells is formed after 23-24 days; reaching the mature developing between 60-95 days. The cordiform gametophyte shows two symmetrical wings. The archegonia appear before the antheridia. Finally, the first frond is formed after 115 days of sowing. The spores are cultured in agar on Thompson nutritive medium in a culture chamber at a photoperiod of 12 hours light (1,500 lux) and a mean temperature of 25°C. © 2008 Universidad de Concepción.