The three main groups of plants

 

Most of the plants around us fall into three main groups. Click on a photo to find out more.

Angiosperms
Angiosperms
Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms
Pteridophytes
Pteridophytes

Plants can also be categorised according to their water needs.

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Angiosperms

Angiosperms are the flowering plants of the world.

This group of plants:

 

  • produces flowers and fruit

  • has its seeds enclosed inside a fruit for protection

  • can be further subdivided into monocotyledons and dicotyledons.

  • is the most common flora group in the world

  • is grown for ornamental plants, food production and many other purposes.

Examples include trees, shrubs, herbs, roses and lilies.

Wide range of plants

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Gymnosperms

Gymnosperms are cone and seed bearing plants such as conifers and pine trees.

This group of plants has seeds which are hidden in cone scales rather than protected by fruit.

Various cone bearing plants

Examples include the Norfolk island pine, pencil pine and the traditional Christmas tree.

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Pteridophytes

Pteridophytes are sorus or spore bearing plants such as ferns.

These plants produce clusters of spore cases on the underside of fern fronds (leaves) which appear as small brown spots as they mature.

Adiantum capillus-veneris

Examples include maiden hair, holly and fishbone ferns.

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