GROUP Ill. PTERIDOPHYTES. FERN PLANTS. 
STUDY 138. 
A PERN PLANT. 
A. The Sporophyte. 
= oo 
11. 
(a) The Vegetative Portion. 
Study the underground stem (rhizome). What is 
its form, color, size, and direction of growth ? 
Is there a ridge (lateral line) extending along each 
side? 
Are nodes and internodes apparent? 
Study the roots as to their origin and form. 
Observe the leaves (fronds) as to their origin and 
form. 
Search for buds and modified leaves. Where are 
they found? Why? 
The frond consists of a leaf stalk (stipe) and the 
blade (lamina), which is usually subdivided into 
primary lobes, which are often again subdivided 
into secondary lobes. 
With m. study the vein distribution (venation). 
Sketch a portion to show venation. 
What evidence is there of former leaf attachments? 
. Make one or more drawings showing the results of 
your study from 1 to 9 inclusive. 
Study with m. and 1.p. a cross-section of the rhi- 
zome, noting the general outline and appearance. 
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