Variability of in situ spores in some leptosporangiate ferns from the Triassic in Italy and Austria

Spores or pollen from a single species even an individual plant sporangium may vary in morphology and size to point that equivalent forms found dispersed the sediment have been described as different genera. In addition, not all these organs were mature at moment of burial, therefore they do always contain completely developed microspores. To understand variations better, we studied intraspecific interspecific morphological variability situ spores leptosporangiate ferns (belonging Osmundales, possible Gleicheniales) Triassic Europe. The material comes Anisian Kühwiesenkopf/Monte Prà della Vacca flora Italy Carnian Lunz Austria. Our analysis is aimed distinguishing normal range variability, differentiating developmental stages, determining frequency abnormal spores. Results show significant variation both surface ornamentation same sporangia, well between sporangia individuals, which various causes. Abortive are usually rare but occur with higher samples some specimens, suggesting can serve identify systemic defects plants.