Psilophyta-3

Enations = ?Leaves? = "Prophylls"

The small leaves of Psilotum have confounded Botanists for decades. They lack vascular tissues and are thus NOT thought to be true leaves. They have been called "Enations" or Prophylls. However, they have many leaf characteristics. Consequently, I think that they are leaves!!!

Leaves are initiated at the Apex just like leaves of other vascular plants.

They have a Spiral Organization like most other leaves.

However, No Vascular Tissue is present.

Leaf Traces are present at Base of
Psilotum complanatum leaves, however. This suggests that the leaves had vascular tissue at one time & lost this trait over time or that they are on the verge of having this adaptation. The loss of a trait over time is called Reduction. This can be very hard to verify.

"Leaves" at the Shoot Tip of Psilotum
No Stomata are found on these tiny Leaves.

Two fused leaves are present at the base of the Sporangium. Otherwise the leaves are solitary.

The Aerial Shoot ranges from 30-100 cm in Length
The stems may be Erect or Pendant (hanging down)
An Apical Cell is present.
Branching is Dichotomous & is typically Isotomous.