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Spore germination and gametophyte development of Cyathea atrovirens (Langsd. Fisch.) Domin (Cyatheaceae) under different pH conditions a b b Rechenmacher, C. , Schmitt, JL. and Droste, A. * aInstituto de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Feevale, Rod. RS-239, 2755, CEP 93352-000, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil bPrograma de Pós-graduação em Qualidade Ambiental, Universidade Feevale, Rod. RS-239, 2755, CEP 93352-000, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil *e-mail: annette@feevale.br Received February 21, 2010 – Accepted April 29, 2010 – Distributed December 31, 2010 (With 3 figures) Abstract Cyathea atrovirens (Langsd. Fisch.) Domin, an intensely exploited tree fern, is found inside forests in several succession stages, as well as in swamps, roadsides and unused fields in the Rio dos Sinos basin, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This study evaluated the in vitro germination and gametophyte development of C. atrovirens under different pH conditions, as well as spore viability after different storage times at 7 ºC. The lowest germination rate of spores was obtained at pH 7.0. At pH 5.0 to 6.5, laminar gametophyte development started at 20 to 30 days of culture. Antheridia and archegonia were first observed at 35 and 128 days, respectively. Storage at 7 oC did not affect germination rates. The capability of germination at different pH levels may explain the occurrence of the species in a wide range of habitats. The present study contributes to the understanding of the full life-cycle of C. atrovirens and to t