Abstract: The gametophyte development of Ceratopteris thalictroides. from china is observed in this paper. The spores of Ceratopteris thalictroides are tetrahedral, trilete. The pattern of spore germination is of centripetal type. The filaments are 4~8 cells long, no apparent apex cell, all upper cells of the filaments divided simultaneously into plate. The meristem situates in the beside of plate which made prothallus into dissymmetrical cordiform. The development of prothallus is Ceratopteris-type. The prothalli, with bigger antheridium and archegonium, but without trichome, present primary characteristics.

Key words: Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn., gametophyte, development