We published a study (Moran et al 2007) on the perispore structure of Elaphoglossum. Using a scanning electron microscope we examined 119 species of Elaphoglossum, corresponding to those used in a previously published phylogenetic analysis of the genus (see phylogeny). The spores of 102 additional species were examined for comparative purposes. Five perispore characters were scored for each species and optimized onto the previously published molecular tree. The morphology of the perispore and its character state changes are described and discussed in a phylogenetic context. Synapomorphies for major clades within the genus were identified, such as spines for the Neotropical species of sect. Squamipedia and perforations, spines, and cristae for subsect. Pachyglossa and a large subclade within sect. Setosa. This study is the largest done on perispore morphology in relation to phylogeny in a genus of ferns. We are in the process of posting all these spore images.
Please click on “Elaphoglossum spores”. You will find an alphabetical species list of all the available spore micrographs of Elaphoglossum. This research is being conducted in the scanning electron microscope facility of the Plant Research Laboratory at The New York Botanical Garden.