312 



REPRODUCTION OF LYCOPODIUM 



up numerous, erect branches and giving off roots that branch 

 with great regularity. Various species of Lyco podium are ex- 

 tensively gathered for decorations since the aerial portions of 

 the stems are thickly clothed with small moss-like leaves. The 

 second genus of the family {Phylloglossum) contains but one 



Fig. 238. 



Fig. 239. 



FlG. 238. Phylloglossum Pruinmondi. — After Pritzel. 



Fig. 239. Strobilus and sporophylls of Lycopodium: 2, strobilus. 3, a 

 leaf or sporophyll enlarged from the strobilus with attached sporangium. 

 4, a spore greatly magnified. 



species, which is found in New Zealand and Australia. It is of 

 interest because it is the most simple fern known (Fig. 238), 

 consisting of a few narrow leaves, rudimentary strobilus and 

 poorly developed tissues. 



The sporangia of the Lycopodiaceae are large considering the 

 size of the leaf, and usually appear on specialized leaves that are 

 arranged in strobili on the ends of erect branches (Fig. 239). 

 The sporangia open by a longitudinal cleft and the spores are 

 produced in such quantities in some of the forms that they are 

 of commercial importance, being used for flashlight effects and 

 sold as lycopodium powder. 



