Lycophyta-6

Sporangia are located in the axil of leaves. Axil refers to the angle formed between the upper surface of the Leaf and the Stem. The upper surface is called Adaxial. The lower surface is Abaxial. (Ad = Towards; Ab = Away). Adaxial means the surface towards the stem axis. Abaxial means away from the stem axis. Your intrepid teacher will give a dramatic demonstration at this point!

Lycopodium Sporangia are adaxial. The Sporophylls may intergrade with vegetative leaves and closely resemble them. There may be several cycles of "fertile" and vegetative leaves produced during the life of a plant. New Sporangia are green while mature ones are yellow. They open along one suture & resemble a yawning clam.

Sporophylls can be organized into Terminal Cones (Strobili). In this case the sporangia are still adaxial. The sporophylls are green and tightly closed until the sporangia mature. The sporophylls turn yellow, dry & become reflexed upon maturation. The sporangia open like those above.

Locate the Sporophylls!

Sporophylls which resemble Vegetative Leaves. Note the young, mature & dehiscent Sporangia.
Look at me first!!!

Click me to see if you made the right decisions on the image above!

This species is called "Ground Pine". It became endangered in New England because it was popular as a Christmas decoration!