Structure and Organization of the Rhizome Vascular System of Four Polypodium Species

The present investigation is a detailed study of the vasculature of the rhizome of four species of Polypodium (P. cambricum, P. fauriei. P. interjectum, and P. sibricum). The vascular architecture of the rhizomes of the Polypodium species studied denotes a line of reduction and simplification of characters. The characteristic nature of the association of branches with leaves in the species of Polypodium studied seems to be significant. Vascular morphology of the rhizome of Polypodium does not support a close relationship with Goniophlebium as has previously been hypothesized. However, more extensive study of Polypodium is needed to arrive at any definite conclusion.