Lycopodium clavatum L. , a fern ally, is locally known as cat's tail in Mindanao, Philippines. Its natural habitat is being threatened due to forest destruction and agricultural expansion, hence the need to find ways for the plant's propagation and conservation. This study aimed to determine the appropriate culture medium and conditions for spore germination, gametophyte, and sporophyte development of Lycopodium clavatum as a means for its propagation and conservation. Matured strobili of L. clavatum were collected in Mt. Lumot, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. The strobili were air-dried for several days, afterwhich spores were collected. The spores were sterilized in 10% sodium hypochlorite, then in pure sodium hypochlorite for a few minutes, and rinsed with sterile distilled water several times through filter paper filtration. Spores were inoculated in agar culture medium supplemented with some nutrients and glucose. After one month in culture, spores germinated and formed gametophytes which contained chloroplasts. Antheridia and archegonia were observed in the crown of the photosynthetic gametophytes three and a half months from spore inoculation. Sporophytes emerged from the gametophytes four months after culture. The results of this study showed that spore culture is one way of propagating and conserving Lycopodium clavatum.

Key words: culture, photosynthetic gametophyte, propagation, sporophyte