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A study of the development of the gametophyte of 16 thelypteroid ferns from Jamaica reveals similarities and some differences among them which may have some bearing on their taxonomic position. They all possess a hairy, relatively long‐lived thallus which at maturity is cordate, relatively delicate for its size, with a wide cushion, broad wings, abundant colourless or pale tan rhizoids and sex organs of the advanced type. Although spore ornamentation, length of gametophytic simple hair and form and dehiscence of the antheridium are features which differ among the species, two gametophytic characteristics set apart the goniopteroid representatives: a branched hair and the development of the cell plate from subterminal cells of the germination filament when the filament ends in a hair. The presence of these with other minor and inconsistent differences suggests a not very close relationship of Goniopteris with Meniscium and supports those authors who prefer generic distinction.

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