paraphysis
plant anatomy
Also known as: paraphyses
Quick Summary
Paraphyses are sterile hairs or scales found in about one-third of fern species, intermixed with the sporangia. They are believed to have a protective function and can be helpful in classifying different fern genera. These structures typically appear as hairs or modified hairs that grow among the sporangia, on the sporangial stalk, or on the sporangial capsule.1
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