The
Megaspore wall splits open near the Archegonia.
Fertilization
requires the presence of free water so that the Sperm can swim to the Egg.
Embryo
development is Endoscopic.
It
grows into the Megagametophyte and derives nutrition from the Storage Lipids. It is also protected from desiccation and other injuries by the thick spore Wall.
The Shoot Apex eventually grows out of the
opening in the Megaspore Wall.
A
Root Apical Meristem forms
opposite the Shoot Apical Meristem.
The Foot remains like an haustorium in the
food reserve and the Megagametophyte remains attached to the young Sporophyte for some
time.
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Embryo Development is Endoscopic
The Shoot apex eventually responds to gravity and grows out of the Megagametophyte.
Sporophyte with discernable Root & Shoot: still attached to the Megagametophyte
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