Fern Confusion (IMAGE) University of Kansas Caption The fern's "sporophyte" stage produces spores that germinate to produce the gametophytes. This sporophyte, Polypodium appalachianum, was named by KU researcher Christopher Haufler. Credit Christopher Haufler Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.