Present study is based on the stipe anatomy of 13 selected species of pteridophytes of South India. Detailed description, key to the taxa based on stipe anatomy, photographs and descriptions are provided.

In the field of vascular anatomy of ferns it is necessary to study the successive stages through which the fern passes during its development. This procedure not only determines the position, interrelationship and structure of the different vascular components of the mature fern but also shows indications of phylogenetic relationship. For understanding the anatomical features of three species of Adiantum L., stipe of Adiantum caudatum L., Adiantum latifolium Lam. and Adiantum lunulatum Burm., from Kerala were studied. The patterns formed by the protoxylem strands are surprisingly variable among species. A separate key was prepared for the identification of species based on anatomy.

The present study prospects Bridelia stipularis (L.) Blume as a new source of anthocyanins through leaf and internode explants-derived callus cultures. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 21.48 lM a-naphthaleneacetic acid was superior for callus growth. Of the different regimes, the anthocyanin production relied on synergic effects of plant growth regulators, pH, light, and carbon source. The calluses incubated in light on MS medium with 4% glucose containing 2.22 lM N 6 -benzyladenine (BA) and 2.26 lM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at pH 3.5 yielded the highest amount (a mean of 0.42 mg g -1 callus) of anthocyanins. Subsequent cultures of the calluses on the above medium yielded a stable production of anthocyanins. Medium containing glucose was superior to that with sucrose for anthocyanin formation. Kinetin was inhibitory to anthocyanin accumulation. Suspension cultures of MS medium containing 2.26 lM 2,4-D and 2.22 lM BA at pH 5.0 started excretion of anthocyanins into the medium on reaching to pH 4.4-4.6.

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The lectotype of Gymnostachyum canescens (Nees) T. Anderson is designated here.