The Maturation Cycle, or the Stages of Development of Gametangia and Capsules in Mosses

Abstract

The Maturation Cycle for a given species of moss is the sequence of developmental stages from the start of gametangial production until the fall of dehisced capsules. Following the description and discussion of the eleven recognizable morphological stages, the cycles deduced from a study of British material of Mnium hornum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Hypnum cupressiforme var. resupinatum, and Pylaisia polyantha are presented and mention made of the cycles in Plagiothecium sylvaticum and Climacium dendroides. Differences in beha viour between the species are briefly discussed, and further uses of the method are also suggested.In conclusion it is a pleasure to thank my wife for allowing me to quote some of her unpublished results for Plagiothecium sylvaticum, Miss E. Rogers for supplying me with some gametangial data for Brachythecium rutabulum, Mr M. Seaward for putting at my disposal some gametangial results for Mnium hornum, and the many people, particularly Mr D. Anderson, who kindly gave or loaned material to me.