Abstract: In present paper, the morphology and development of the archegonium and antheridium of the fern Osmunda cinnamomea L.var. asiatica Fernald was observed by means of Scanning Electron microscope(SEM) and resin section. The archegonium formed in the undersurface of the female gametophyte consists of 4 row wall cells and 6~7 cells high in the neck. The inner of the archegonium includes the neck canal cell, the venter canal cell and the egg. The amyloplast and vesicle in the egg are prominent in all stages. The egg forms egg membrane and separate cavity when it matures. The antheridium formed on the margin and the lower surface of the male gametophyte consists of 7~8 wall cell. The inner of the antheridium is spermatogenouse tissue. As the spermatid mature the cap cell dehisces and the spermatozoids are discharged through the cap cell.

Key words: Osmunda cinnamomea, gametophyte, archegonium, antheridium