BIODIVERSITAS ISSN: 1412-033X

Volume 18, Number 1, January 2017 E-ISSN: 2085-4722

Pages: 175-182 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d180124

Spore germination and early gametophyte development of

Platycerium wandae (Polypodiaceae) from Papua, Indonesia

TITIEN NGATINEM PRAPTOSUWIRYO

Center for Plant Conservation-Bogor Botanical Gardens, Indonesian Institute of Sciences. Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 13, P.O. Box 309 Bogor 16003, West
♥
Java, Indonesia. Tel. +62-251-8322187, Fax. +62-251-8322187, email: tienpferns@yahoo.com

Manuscript received: 30 August 2016. Revision accepted: 11 December 2016.

Abstract. Praptosuwiryo TNg. 2017. Spore germination and early gametophyte development of Platycerium wandae (Polypodiaceae)
from Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 175-182. Studies on gametophyte development in ferns are very important, as the data
generated is often useful for supporting taxa delimitation in ferns and fern-allies. This data is also very important for understanding the
ecology, reproductive biology, evolution and distribution of ferns. The study reported here aimed to develop a deeper understand of
morphogenesis in the fern Platycerium wandae Racib. by investigating the process of spore germination and early gametophyte
development of the species on natural media. Fresh spores of P. wandae were germinated in a mixed media consisting of minced roots
of Cyathea contaminans and charcoaled rice hulls (1: 1) under green house condition. Spores of P. wandae are monolete, ellipsoid, non-
chlorophyllous, dark brown, and lacking perine. Spores germinated between 7 to 14 days after sowing (DAS). Spore germination of P.
wandae is of the Vittaria-type and the prothallial development is of the Aspidium-type, characterized by early development of
unicelullar trichomes (30-40 DAS). Only unisexual gametophytes were observed at 60-80 DAS. New data is provided concerning the
morphogenesis of P. wandae from Papua, Indonesia, on natural media. The findings are relevant to reproductive biology, would
contribute to establish an efficient ex situ propagation strategies for the conservation of epiphyitic ferns and to facilitate further in situ
studies of gametophyte ecology.

Keywords: Gametophyte development, Platycerium wandae, spore germination, staghorn fern

INTRODUCTION Therefore, further studies to understand the development of

fern gametophytes are recommended to clarify taxonomic
Gametophyte morphogenesis, including type of spore uncertainties.
germination, early gametophyte development, and mature Studies on gametophyte morphogenesis are also useful
gametophyte trichomes and gametangia, has proven useful for in situ studies on the ecology of fern gametophytes (see
in characterizing fern taxa (Nayar and Kaur 1971; Prada et Watkins et al 2007). These formed the basis for field
al. 1996; Huang et al. 2001; Pangua et al. 2003; Chen et al. identification of gametophytes, especially to the level of
2008; Muñiz-Díaz de León et al 2008; Praptosuwiryo 2010; genus, and laid the groundwork for future gametophyte-
Puspitasari et al. 2015). These characters provide evidence based ecological studies (Farrar et al. 2008). Therefore
of variations in the pattern of development, which are integrative studies combining gametophyte development,
important criteria in fern taxonomy (Pryer et al. 1995). For morphology, and breeding system to understand the
example, Lophosoria quadripinnata (Gmel.) C. Chr. var. ecology and distribution of species would be promoted
quadripinnata and L. quadripinnata var. contracta (Farrar 1967; Dassler and Farrar 1997, 2001; Chiou et al
(Hieron.) R. & A Tryon. differ in prothallus shape and the 1998; Chiou and Farrar 2002).
number of antheridial cells (Mendoza et al. 1997). The staghorn fern genus, Platycerium Desv., is one of
Gametophytes of Asplenium obovatum ssp. obovatum var. the most commonly grown ornamental ferns (Hoshizaki
protobillotii and var. deltoideum, ssp. numidicum, and of A. and Moran 2001; Darnaedi and Praptosuwiryo 2003). It is a
macedonicum show significant differences in hair density very distinct genus of the family Polypodiaceae and differs
(Herrero et al. 2002). Asplenium scolopendrium var. from other ferns in the presence of stellate hairs (shared
americanum L. and A. scolopendrium var. scolopendrium with Pyrrosia Mirbel) on the leaf lamina, the frond
differed significantly in gametophyte ontogeny, dimorphism, the differentiation of the leaves into litter
morphology, and propensity for sexual and asexual collectors (mantle leaves or base fronds) and
reproduction. Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum ‘dichotomously forked trophosporophylls with coenosoroid
produced copious gametophytic outgrowths that were to acrosoroid patches of sporangia’ (Hennipman and Roos
capable of developing into functional, independent thalii 1998; Hoshizaki and Moran 2001). Platycerium is one of
while A. scolopendrium var. scolopendrium does not (Testo the few pantropical epiphytic fern genera, with 18 species.
and Watkins 2011). Comparative morphology of the fern Six species are found in Afro-Madagascar, 8-11 in
gametophyte can also be an important tool in understanding subtropical to tropical Asia, Malesia, and Australia, and a
different phyletic groups (Stokey 1951; Pryer et al. 1995). single species in tropical South America (Kreier and
176 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 18 (1): 175-182, January 2017

Schneider 2006). These plants grow predominantly as be useful for studying normal spore germination and
epiphytes or sometimes on rocks in subtropical to tropical gametophyte development of the staghorn ferns. Mixed
lowland forests (Kreier and Schneider 2006; Hennipman natural media composed of the minced roots of Cyathea
and Roos 1998). They are among the most frequent contaminans together with charcoaled rice hulls has proven
vascular plant epiphytes in those forests and generally grow to be useful in studying spore germination and
in relatively open conditions (Benzing 1990; Kreier and gametophyte development of Asplenium nidus
Schneider 2006; Hennipman and Roos 1998). These plants (Praptosuwiryo 2010) and Cibotium barometz
frequently have been used in cytological, morphological, (Praptosuwiryo et al. 2015).
developmental, physiological, and phylogenetic studies The aim of this study was to describe spore germination
(see Hoshizaki 1970, 1972; Nagmani and Raghavan 1983; and early gametophyte morphological development of
Kwa et al. 1995, Camloh et al. 1996, 1999; Teng and Teng Platycerium wandae Racib. by germinating the spore on
1997; Ambrožič-Dolinšek et al. 2002; Kreier and Schneider natural media ̶ a mixed media of minced roots of Cyathea
2006; Espinosa-Matias et al. 2007; Janssen et al. 2007; Rut contaminans together with charcoaled rice hulls (1:1). This
et al. 2008; Aspiras 2010) because they have great simple technique enabled the life cycle of Platycerium to
economic value and a special place among ferns (Camloh be observed under more natural conditions than in in vitro
and Ambrožič-Dolinšek 2011). Staghorn ferns are methods. The purpose of the study was to provide
becoming threatened in the wild because they are often information about gametophyte morphogenesis of P.
collected by plant collectors for their majestic size and wandae of Indonesia. Studying spore germination and
form, and are traded locally (Madulid 1985). Moreover, gametophyte development among species of Platycerium
these ferns have spores that are difficult to germinate under should provide evidence on variation in their
natural conditions, further endangering their survival morphological patterns, and for alternative strategies for
(Amoroso 1990, 1992; Amoroso and Amoroso 1998, the ex situ conservation of epiphytic ornamental ferns.
2003). Therefore, studies are required to find out Studies on spore germination and gametophyte
differences in the developmental patterns of the development of epiphtytic fern by using natural media
gametophytes and sporophytes of this genus, and especially would also be useful for in situ ecological gametophyte
to inform the practice of ex situ conservation in this fern. research which is critical to ultimately understanding
Indonesia has four species of Platycerium, namely P. sporophyte distributions.
bifurcatum (Cav.) C. Chr., P. coronarium (Konig ex
Muller) Desv., P. ridleyi H. Christ, and P. wandae Racib.
(Hennipman and Roos 1998). Platycerium wandae Racib. MATERIALS AND METHODS
is differentiated from others species of Platycerium by the
following characters: (1) Leave foliage is asymmetric with Spore collection, media preparation and spore
unequal lobes; (2) Soral patches are situated in sinuses near germination
the base of the leave; the ultimate lobes are sterile; (3) Fresh spores were collected directly from the personal
Lateral soral patches have very short, simple, lateral sterile living fern collection of Prof. Dr. Eko Baroto Walujo
lobes (Hennipman and Roos 1998) (Figure 1.). Platycerium (Herbarium Bogoriense, Botany Division, Biology
wandae are heliophilous through to semi-shade-tolerant Research Center, Indonesian Institute of Sciences). This
epiphytes, growing solitary, high, in dry lower montane living specimen, collection number EBW s.n., was
rain forest and lowland swamp forest, also in lowland areas originally collected from Mount Meja, Manokwari, Papua
in rubber and coconut plantations, and on waysides trees at (Irian Jaya), Indonesia.
altitudes from sea level to 1000 m (Joncheere de 1968; Natural media was prepared consisting of minced roots
Hennipman and Roos 1998). This species is distributed in of Cyathea contaminans together with charcoaled rice hulls
the eastern end of Malesia, viz., Moluccas, Aru Islands and (1: 1), mixed with water. A layer of mixed media 4-5 cm
New Guinea (Joncheere de 1968; Hennipman and Roos high was poured into a plastic box (35 x 25 x 11 cm3). Hot
1998). water (about 100˚C) was poured over the media to sterilize
Studies on the gametophytes of Platycerium were it. The plastic box containing the mixed media was covered
initiated by Bauke (1878) and Stokey and Atkinson (1954). with transparent plastic and let stand for 24 hours for
Recently, studies on the spore germination and cooling down. Fresh spores shed from an unsterilized
gametophyte development of Platycerium were reported on foliage frond were directly taped over the surface of media,
P. andinum (Espinosa-Matias et al. 2007; Rios et al. 2015), and the plastic box was then covered with transparent
P. bifurcatum (Camloh 1993, 1999; García et al. 2013), P. plastic. The culture box was kept in a glass house at a
coronarium (Awan and Rao 1981; Aspiras 2010), P. temperature 25-32.5ºC with 68-85% relative humidity.
grande (Amoroso and Amoroso 2003; Aspiras 2010), P.
holttumii (Manitayakul et al. 2006), P. wandae (Espinosa- Observations of spore germination and gametophyte
Matias et al. 2007), and P. wallichii (Wang et al. 2011). development
Research relating to gametophyte morphology of Observations were carried out every 5-6 days and
Platycerium in Indonesia has not yet been reported in the terminated 80 days after sowing (DAS). Spore germination
literature. In addition, all of the works mentioned above was defined as the emergence of a rhizoid through its spore
were carried out by growing spores under in vitro condition coat (Camloh 1993). Early gametophytes were classified
on agar medium with nutrient solution. Natural media may according to the gametophyte development stages described
 PRAPTOSUWIRYO – Gametophyte development of Platycerium wandae 177

A C D

Figure 1. Habit and gross morphology of Platycerium wandae. A. Platycerium wandae of Papua cultivated in Bogor Botanic Gardens; B.
Fertile patch showing its adaxial surface; C-D. Fertile patch showing its abaxial surface; C. Young fertile patch; D. Mature fertile patch. Scale
bar = 30 cm for A.

by Rechenmacher et al. (2010): viz. gametophyte with (Table 1.). According to Manitayakul et al. (2006), spores
chlorocyte and rhizoid (chlorocyte and rhizoid stage); of Platycerium holttumii Jonch. & Hennipm. require 14
filamentous gametophyte (filamentous stage); and laminar days from sowing to emergence of the rhizoid. Spores of P.
gametophyte (laminar stage). The laminar stage was grande (Fee) C. Presl. germinated 19 DAS under in vitro
divided into three sub-stages: viz. spatulate stage, lopsided condition in the study of Amoroso and Amoroso (2003).
stage, and young heart shape stage. In the young laminar Platycerium coronarium (Koenig.) Desv. and P. grande
stage, reproductive organs (antheridium and/or required 11.50 and 16.75 days, respectively, to reach this
archegonium) have not yet formed, or if they have formed gametophyte developmental stage (Aspiras 2010).
the organs are still immature. In this study, spores of P. wandae germinated between
The assemblage of prothalli were separated and 7-14 days after sowing (DAS). The spores were bean-
observed under Nikon binocular microscope (Nikon SMZ- shaped, monolete, bilaterally symmetrical, ellipsoid, non-
10A). In order to document spore germination and chloropyllous, dark brown, lacking perine, with smooth to
gametophyte development, photographs were taken using scabrid, that fit with previous descriptions (Hoshizaki
the Olympus microscope connected to a computer monitor 1972; Tryon and Lugardon 1991; Pérez-García et al. 2010).
camera (Olympus CX 31) fitted with objective lenses 4X- In general, the first indication of germination was the
40x. changing of coloration from dark brown spores to greenish
brown spores. The first cell produced on germination of the
spores was rhizoid (Figure 2.A.) A rupture at the lower end
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION of the spore caused by spore swelling led to the emergence
of the rhizoid. It is generally considered that the criterion
Spore germination for spore germination is the emergence of the chlorocyte or
For sporulating plants, germination is defined as the set the rhizoid (Chuter et al. 2008; Aspiras 2010). The rhizoid
of mechanisms occurring in the dormant spore that cell usually does not contain chloroplasts. It is produced on
culminates in the growth of the embryo or cell to form a an upper surface of the basal cell or sometimes at one
sporeling able to establish in the substrate (Gabriel y Galán corner of the basal cell. In this study, the basal cell
et al. 2015). Germination can easily be detected by underwent a second division on the opposite direction to
observing signs of a body emergence, such as a the rhizoid resulting in the emergence of chlorocyte (Figure
filament/prothallial cell or rhizoid or both simultaneously 2.B.). Nayar and Kaur (1971) gave a detailed account of
(Nester and Coolbaugh 1986; Bradbeer 1988; Pérez-García the patterns of spore germination and classified them on the
et al. 2010). Spores of Platycerium species usually basis of the plane cell division (in relation to the polarity of
germinate between 11-19 DAS under in vitro conditions the spores) and the direction of growth of the primary
178 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 18 (1): 175-182, January 2017

rhizoid and the prothallus. The elongation of the germ rhizoids at the basal end. The Vittaria-type of germination
papilla (chlorocyte) and its continuous division gave rise to pattern was also reported by Espinosa-Matias et al. (2007),
a protonema consisting of a uniseriate germ filament with Perez-García (2010) on P. andinum and P. wandae, and by
3-8 protonemal cells (Figure 2.C-F.). The protonemal cells Wang et al. (2011) on P. wallichii. In this study,
usually arise from one of the three corners directed to the germinative uniseriate filaments of P. wandae of Papua
former side-walls. The chloroplast content increased in line consisted of 3-8 protonemal cells. They were longer than
with the growth and development of the prothallus. those reported by Espinosa-Matias et al. (2007) from New
The germination pattern of P. wandae was of the Guinea (collection number: LD Gomez 26250) which had
Vittaria-type. In accordance with the description of Nayar only uniseriate germ filaments with 1-5 cells long before
and Kaur (1971), the spore germination resulted in a bearing spatulate stages. The possible factors that influence
uniseriate, elongated, germ filament composed of barrel- this differences are the photoperiods of light and medium
shaped chlorophyllous cells and bearing one or more nutrients (Racusen 2002).

r r D
pc

r B C
A

sc
E F G

H J

ut

ut

K L

Figure 2. A. Spore germination and early gametophyte development of Platycerium wandae (EBW s.n., Papua). A-B. Germination at
about one week. A. Spore swelling led to the emergence of the rhizoid; B. Chlorocyte-rhizoid phase. C-F. Filamentous phase, 3-8-celled
filament, 7-14 DAS. G-I. Young phase of gametophyte (spatulate plate) (27 DAS). J-L. Young gametophyte with unicellular trichome
(lopsided prothallus), one month (34 DAS). Rhizoid (r), unicellular trichome (ut), spore coat (sc), prothallial cell (pc). Scale bar = 30 µm
for A-G.
 PRAPTOSUWIRYO – Gametophyte development of Platycerium wandae 179

Prothallial development Lopsided prothallus formation. The continuous

Spatulate prothallial plate formation. The young division of the anterior and terminal cells of the prothallial
prothallus plate is initiated in the terminal cell of the plate and the repeated longitudinal and transverse divisions
filament by perpendicular divisions (Fig. 2). A small of the daughter cells led to the formation of a lopsided
spatula consisted of 14-16 cells (Fig 2.G-H.). The spatulate prothallus (Fig. 2.J-L.). This gametophyte development
phase occurred at about 14-30 DAS. A broad spatulate stage occured at about 30-40 DAS.
prothallial plate is formed by division of the anterior cells, Cordate prothallus formation. Further growth of the
including the terminal cell. lopsided prothallus resulted in the formation of
Nayar and Kaur (1971) showed that the prothallus of asymmetrical cordate prothallus. The young heart shape
homosporous ferns follows a definite pattern of (cordate) prothallus of P. wandae of Papua was formed in
development leading ultimately to the characteristic adult two months (Figure 3). The length of time needed for
form. This pattern is constant for each species and reaching the heart-shaped stage of P. wandae in natural
commonly to taxa of higher order under normal conditions media was similar to the length of time needed by P.
of growth. Prothallial development of P. wandae is of the coronarium under in vitro conditions on Knop’s agar
Aspidium-type, a pluricellular meristem being established medium (Awan and Rao 1981). The number of days for
directly from the anterior cells of broad spatulate young cordate prothallus formation among species of Platycerium
prothalli. The Aspidium-type prothallial development in may be significantly different. The gametophytes of P.
Platycerium was also reported by Espinosa-Matias (2007) coronarium required 27.50 days for reaching the cordate
and Pérez-García et al. (2010), viz. in P. andinum Baker of stage (Aspiras 2010), while P. grande required 21-33.75
Peru and P. wandae of New Guinea. days (Amoroso and Amoroso 2003; Aspiras 2010) in in
vitro condition.

ut

ut

A B

ut

ut

an

rh
rh ut
rh

C D

Figure 3. Unisexual young gametophyte and trichome morphology of Platycerium wandae of Papua. A. young cordiform-reniform
gametophyte of Platycerium wandae (male), 61 DAS. B. Marginal part of gametophytes with unicellular trichome (ut); C. Basal part of
gametophyte showing young antheridium (an) among rhizoids (rh). D. Meristematic zone on apical part of gametophyte with unicellular
trichomes. Scale bar = 64 µm for A; 6 µm for B and D.
BIODIVERSITAS ISSN: 1412-033X
Volume 18, Number 1, January 2017 E-ISSN: 2085-4722
Pages: 175-182 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d180124
Table 1. Gametophyte development and morphological characters compared among species of Platycerium

P. wandae P. andinum P. holttumii P. wallichii

P. wandae P. coronarium P. grande
Characters (Pérez-García et al. (Pérez-García et Manitayakul et al. (Wang et al. 2011)
(Present study) (Aspiras 2010) (Aspiras 2010)
2010) al. 2010) (2006) [Abstract]
The medium Natural substrate 10% agar in 10% agar in Knudson C culture Knudson C culture Miller and Miller (MM) Knop’s agar media
employed (minced roots of Thomson’s media Thomson’s media medium + 2% glucose medium + 2% glucose (1961)
Cyathea contaminans
with charcoaled rice
hulls (1: 1)
The germination 7-14 6-15 6-8 6 12 14 Not mentioned
(DAS)
Type of spore Vittaria-type Vittaria-type Vittaria-type Gleichenia-type Vittaria-type - Vittaria-type
germination
Prothallial Aspidium-type Aspidium-type Aspidium-type Drynaria-type Drynaria-type - Drynaria-type
development
Filamentous phase 3-8 cells 1-5 cells 1-5 cells 2-8 cells or more 2-8 cells or more - Not mentioned
Shape of laminar Asymmetrical cordate- Asymmetrical cordate- Asymmetrical Symmetrical cordate- Symmetrical cordate- Symmetrical cordate- Symmetrical cordate-
phase shape shape cordate-shape shape shape shape shape
Asymmetrical cordate- Asymmetrical
spatulate cordate-spatulate
Asymmetrical cordate- Asymmetrical
kidney shape cordate-kidney
shape
Mature gametophyte Asymmetrical cordate- Cordiform-spatulate Cordiforme- Symmetrical cordate- Symmetrical cordate- Symmetrical cordate-
shape Male Male and female reniforme Bisexual shape shape shape
(unisexual)
Male and female
Wing cell shape Isodiametric polygonal Isodiametric polygonal Isodiametric Isodiametric Isodiametric polygonal Isodiametric polygonal Not mentioned
with almost straight with almost straight polygonal with polygonal with almost with almost straight with almost straight
side wall side wall almost straight side straight side wall side wall
wall
side wall
Type of secretory Unicellular Bicellular; Bicellular; Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned
trichome (prothallial Multicellular Multicellular Not mentioned
hairs)
Distribution of Margin, wing and Margin, wing, chusion, Margin, wing, Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned
secretory trichome meristematic zona and meristematic zona chusion, and
meristematic zona
BIODIVERSITAS PRAPTOSUWIRYO – Gametophyte development of Platycerium wandae 181
ISSN: 1412-033X
Volume 18, Number 1, January 2017 E-ISSN: 2085-4722
Pages: 175-182 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d180124
Reproductive organ formation. The male sex organ ornamental purposes. This method also can be applied for
(antheridium) of P. wandae was noticed at 61 days after ex situ conservation of endangered epiphytic ferns.
spore sowing, but it was still immature (Figure 3). The Gametophyte plays an important role in the dispersal and
female sex organ (archegonium) of P. wandae had not been reproductive biology of ferns, therefore the description of
formed by 80 after sowing. Thus, there were only unisexual the gametophyte development also would be useful on
gametophytes, viz. male gametophytes. Pérez-García et al. further in situ studies on gametophyte ecology.
(2010) reported that gametophytes of P. wandae of New
Guinea were also unisexual, bearing both male and female
gametophytes. Antheridia and archegonia of P. holttumii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
could be observed at 98 and 112 after sowing spores,
respectively, under in vitro conditions (Mitayakul et al. I am grateful to Prof. Dr. Eko Baroto Walujo
2006). Each species of Platycerium may have a different (Herbarium Bogoriense, Botany Division, Biology
rate of growth and gametophyte development to reach Research Center, Indonesian Institute of Sciences) for
maturity. Under in vitro conditions, the development of giving me the fresh spores of Platycerium wandae. I would
gametophyte reproductive organs in Platycerium may be like to thank Dr. Graham Eagleton (Australia) for giving
relatively slower. Under in vitro conditions on Knop's agar me some suggestion and correcting the English manuscript.
medium, mature gametophytes of P. coronarium develop in I wish to thank to the anonymous reviewer from
2 months, and 85 per cent of them were unisexual (both male Postdoctoral Research Scholar of University of Iowa,
and female) and 15 per cent bisexual (Awan and Rao 1981). Department of Biology, Iowa City (USA) and three other
Gametophyte morphology of P. wandae and its related anonymous reviewer for their helpful and constructive
species. Table 1. Provides a gametophyte morphological comments and suggestions to improve this manuscript.
comparison among species of Platycerium. The
gametophyte of P. wandae of Papua has an asymmetrical
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