Gymnosperms: Gymnosperm means naked seed. These plants do not have flowers. And so, the seeds are not enclosed inside any specialized structure like the ovary seen in the other group of plants i.e. angiosperms. Rather, the seeds develop on the surface of the reproductive structures of the plants. Thus are visible as cones on maturity. Sometimes we can find the seeds on small stalks too.

• They do not produce flowers.
• Seeds are not formed inside a fruit. They are naked.
• The male gametophytes produce two gametes, but only one of them is functional.
• They form cones with reproductive structures.
• The seeds contain endosperm that stores food for the growth and development of the plant.
• These plants have vascular tissues which help in the transportation of nutrients and water.
• Xylem does not have vessels and the phloem has no companion cells and sieve tubes.
• They are found in colder regions where snowfall occurs.
• They develop needle-like leaves.
• They are perennial or woody, forming trees or bushes.
• They are not differentiated into ovary, style and stigma.
• Since stigma is absent, they are pollinated directly by the wind.

Types of Gymnosperms

There are four types of Gymnosperms:

• Pinophyta
• Cycadophyta
• Ginkgophyta
• Gnetophyta

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By Team Learning Mantras