Chromosome Numbers in Some Pacific Pteridophyta

Abstract

Haploid chromosome complements are recorded for two species of Psilotaceae, and for 36 species and one variety of ferns (27 species from New Caledonia, 7 species and 1 variety from New Zealand, and 1 species from New Guinea). It is suggested that Schizaea fistulosa Labill , and Schizaea fistulosa var. australis Gaud. are specifically distinct. A further suggestion is made that the cytologically varied species of Lindsaea together with such genera as Loxsoma and Leptolepia may constitute a distinct fern family.