gymnosperms

• Gymnosperms


  Includes Cycads, Ginkgo biloba, Welwitschia & Pine trees
• Gymnosperms


  • Coniferophyta
  • Gnetophyta
  • Ginkgophyta
  • Cycadophyta
• Gymnosperms


  • Have true roots, stems and leaves
  • Have a well-developed vascular system (Tracheophytes)
  • Have tough needle-like leaves with waxy cuticle – adapted for drought conditions
  • Not dependent on water for fertilization
  • Spermatophyte – A plant that produces seeds
  • Dominant generation: Sporophyte
• Xylem


  No xylem vessels are present, only xylem tracheids

  
• This allows Gymnosperms to have softer wood – E.g. pine wood
• Sexual Reproduction in Gymnosperms

  1. Produce both male and female cones

  2. Male cones produce pollen

  3. Female cones produce naked seeds (not covered by fruit)