FIGURE 1.

The C. richardii life cycle. Typical of all homosporous ferns, the diploid sporophyte produces sporangia on the abaxial surface of the fronds. Each sporangium contains haploid spores that are released from the sporophyte and, in the case of C. richardii, can remain dormant but viable for more than 50 years. Each spore germinates and develops as a male or hermaphroditic gametophyte depending on the presence or absence of antheridiogen. When mature, sperm are released and swim to the egg. The young sporophyte remains dependent on the gametophyte for a short period of time.