Spore morphology is described for all six genera of Brazilian Polytrichaceae based on light and scanning electron microscopy study of 13 species of the approximately 30 species of the family native to the country. Discussion on its taxonomic importance is also provided. Spores were analyzed before and after the acetolysis method. Polytrichaceae is eurypalynous. The spore surface of Atrichum androgynum (Müll. Hal.) A. Jaeger has regular granules and isolated gemmae. The spores of Itatiella P. Beauv. and Oligotrichum Lam. & DC. species are small to medium size, with bacula, elongated processes, clavae and pila on the surface. Species of Pogonatum P. Beauv. gathers spores of very small to small size, granulate surface. Polytrichadelphus pseudopolytrichum (Raddi) G. L. Sm. spores are very small to small size, and ornamentation formed by reduced smooth spines. In Polytrichum Hedw. species the spores are small and ornamentation is formed by ornamented spine-like processes to granules.
bryophytes; mosses; palynology; Polytrichaceae
