Morphological studies have always played a central role in the evolution of our understanding of the 12,000 or more species of Pteridophyte, and provide the very basis for our concepts of their overall taxonomy. This paper focuses upon the fundamental and uniting role which morphology has played and continues to play through various approaches to largely whole-plant and field-applied research in this plant group. Through these, it can be seen that morphology continues to provide a visible working framework on to which other newer developments can attach, and where necessary, modify, but never entirely replace. Nowhere is this more important than in our modern recognition of the multitude of structural form, variations and adaptations which collectively constitute their diversity, and through this route, to their conservation.