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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.
Plants can also be categorised according to their water needs.
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Angiosperms are the flowering plants of the world.
This group of plants: |
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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. |
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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. |
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Examples include the Norfolk island pine, pencil pine and the traditional Christmas tree. |
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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. |
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Examples include maiden hair, holly and fishbone ferns. |
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