Plant Classifications

GYMNOSPERMS: Seed-producing plants

Gymnosperms are plants that produce seeds. Some common types include conifers and cycads. Gymnosperms reproduce through exposed seeds. More often than not, these exposed seeds are cones. Gymnosperms have no flowers or fruits.

ANGIOSPERMS: Flowering plants

Angiosperms are plants that flower. They represent around 80% of all plants, being the largest and most diverse species of plants. Angiosperms are seed plants whose ovules are fertilized in an enclosed ovary. Fruits are characteristic of angiosperms.

BRYOPHYTES: Mosses, hornworts, liverworts

Bryophytes are nonvascular, seedless plants. Although these plants are very diverse, they lack complex tissue organization. Their average size is much smaller than those of seed-bearing plants.

FERNS AND FERN ALLIES: Seedless vascular plants

These plans possess true roots and stems. They are seedless and vascular, and they reproduce through spores. Their leaves are complex. Typically, ferns are sporophytes. Ferns grow mostly in tropical areas but can live in a variety of environments.