Abstract: The spores of the Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaud.) Ching were cultured in the mixed soil. The spore germination and the gametophytic development were observed by microscope. The result exhibits that the spores are brown, monolete, and semicircle-shaped in equatorial view and elliptical in polar view. The spores germinate about three days after sowing. The germination is of the Vittaria-type while the gametophyte development is of Drynaria-type. The prothallial plates come into form about seven days after sowing. The radius is not so obvious between the germ filaments stage and the prothallial plates stage. Hairs can occur on both the surfaces and margin of the prothalli. The young prothalli develop in 21 days after sowing and the mature prothalli are cordate. The Antheridium form in 35 days after sowing. The antheridia are like pellets and composed of 3 cells. The archegonial neck is usually formed by 4 rows of cells and 4 to 5 cells high at maturity. Young embryos can be observed growing from the prothalli in one month after sowing.

Key words: Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaud.) Ching, spore germination, gametophyte development