Story: Ferns and lycophytes

Fern life cycle

Fern life cycle

Mature ferns produce fertile leaves (fronds) that carry spores. When the spores are released they germinate into tiny heart-shaped plants with male and female sex organs. Sperm cells are carried to the female sex organ in a film of water, and one fertilises an egg cell. This grows into a new, spore-bearing fern.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Artwork by Bruce Mahalski

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How to cite this page:

Patrick Brownsey, 'Ferns and lycophytes - Reproduction', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/10856/fern-life-cycle (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Patrick Brownsey, published 24 Sep 2007