Fern Glossary

Diploid

Cells containing pairs of chromosomes. Diploid cells result from fertilization

Frond

Fern leaf, also referred to as the blade.

Gamete

Haploid sperm or egg cell

Fruitdots

Sori, clusters of sporangia

Gametophyte

Gamete producing structure developed from a spore. Also referred to as a prothallus.

Haploid

Containing only a single set of chromosomes

Indusium

Sori covering found on some genus of fern; Dryopteris, Athyrium

Leaflet

Branching from rachis. May contain subleaflets if more than once divided

Prothallus

Sperm and egg producing structure developed from a spore

Sori

Clusters of spore cases that are sometimes referred to as fruitdots

Sporangium

One-cell thick spore casing.

Spore

Haploid generation that develops into gametophyte

Sporophyte

Spore producing structure developing from the union of sperm and egg cell

Rachis

Central stem with attached leaflets. Often rounded on underside of frond.