MOSSES 



165 



But moss plants also have sexual organs similar to the ferns. 

 They are borne in the tops of the leafy plants early in the spring 

 and are known as antheridia and archegonia. (Fig. 104, f, g.) 

 The antheridia are club-shaped and have very long necks. The 



FIG. 104. a, mature moss plant; b, capsule covered with calyptra; c, capsule without 

 calyptra; d, capsule with operculum removed showing peristome; e, operculum; f, arche- 

 gonium; g, antheridium; h, paraphyses or sterile organ. 



antheridia and archegonia are always borne on different plants. 

 The process of fertilization is practically the same as in the 

 ferns and the fertilized egg grows into the seteee and capsule 

 referred to above. 



