Abstract: Spore morphology of 44 species of the genus Athyrium from China was examined by SEM. The spore morphology of the genus is monolete, bilaterosymmetric, polar view ellipsoidal, equatorial view phaseoliform, exospore plain. The surface ornamentation of the spore was formed by perispore. Based on surface ornamentation and other features, the spores of the genus Athyrium are divided into two types. In type I, the outer layer of perispore is complete, surface ornamentation of spore is formed by outer layer of perispore, which is usually rugate folds on the spore surface. 11 species among them have this pattern. In type II, the outer layer of perispore is thin or incomplete, the surface ornamentation of spore is formed by inner layer or middle of perispore. 33 species among them have this pattern. The relationship of the spore morphology and taxonomy in Athyrium was discussed in this paper.

Key words: Athyrium, spore morphology, China