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The spermatophyte plants They are plants that develop from seeds and are divided into angiosperms and gymnosperms. Although angiosperms are the dominant ones, gymnosperms are curious plants with unusual characteristics. For example, the production of bare seeds. They are cosmopolitan plants, but they dominate especially in cold climates.
In this Green Ecologist article we define the Gymnosperm plants: what are they, their characteristics and some examples, as well as the main differences of these with angiosperms.
What are gymnosperm plants
Gymnosperms are vascular plants and spermatophytes, that is, they are produced from a seed and generate them. The same Greek origin of the word gymnosperms gives us a clue of its main characteristic: from gymnos which is "naked" and from sperma which is "seed", therefore, its seeds are bare and they do not develop in a closed ovary.
Gymnosperms are plants that develop in practically all areas of the world, but are dominant especially in cold and arctic climates, as in the taiga. Learn all about what is taiga, its definition and characteristics with this other post from Green Ecologist.
Some are also used as ornamental plants because of their high quality wood. In addition, gymnosperms are very tall and long-lived plants, traits that clearly differentiate them from other types of plants. Next, we will see more of its characteristics.
Gymnosperm plants: characteristics
Its main characteristic, as mentioned, is the production of a seed that does not develop into an ovary, being plants without flowers or fruits. However, its flower can often be considered as a branch of limited growth that can form cones or pineapples and what they generate fertile leaves or sporophylls with an exposed seed. Their sexes are separated, so there are female cones that produce ovules and male cones that generate pollen grains.
Gymnosperms are very ancient plants. In fact, they were the first land plants to produce seeds and date back to the late Carboniferous period. This was possible thanks, among other things, to the fact that in their reproduction they can dispense with water, being pollinated by the wind.
Regarding their structure, they are woody, tree-like plants and that present roots, stems, leaves and seeds (embryo of the plant that results from fertilization). Are vascular plantsIn other words, they have vascular tissues that allow them to distribute water and other resources from the roots to the leaves.
Reproduction of gymnosperm plants
Male cones are made up of a scale and two pollen sacs that form pollen grains. The female ones are larger and contain a scale with two ovules. Gametes are pollen grains and ovules.
During the reproduction of gymnosperm plants, the wind carries the pollen grain to the female flowers and the pollen tube penetrates to the ovule to give rise to the zygote after the fusion of gametes. After fertilization, the seed is formed and the female inflorescence is transformed into a pineapple that after a while it opens and release the seeds, which will form new plants when they fall on the ground.
Gymnosperm plants: examples
exist more than 1,000 species of gymnosperms divided into 88 genres. Some are well known such as firs, pines, cedars, cypresses, junipers or araucarias. Some examples of gymnosperm plants are:
Pinophitas
Popularly known as conifers, there are more than 600 species of woody plants. There are evergreen and deciduous leaves, generally needle-shaped. Some are:
- Pine trees such as pines, spruces, firs, cedars, larches or hemlocks.
- Cupresaceae such as junipers, cypresses or sequoias.
- Aracauriáceas like the araucaria.
- Taxáceas like yew.
- Podocarpaceae such as lleuque or mañío.
Ginkgophites
This group includes several extinct species and only one living one. They are often considered living fossils. This unique species is the Ginkgo biloba. In addition, it is widely used as a medicinal plant for its great
Cycadophitas
Often known as cycads. Its appearance is similar to that of palm trees.
- Cycas revoluta.
- Zamia furfuracea.
Gnetophites
Form vines or small shrubs, with short stems and leaves with scales.
- Welwitschia mirabilis.
- Gnetum gnemon.
- Ephedra distachya.
Main differences between gymnosperm and angiosperm plants
Both gymnosperm and angiosperm plants are vascular plants spermatophytes (they produce seeds). However, main differences between gymnosperm plants and angiosperm plants are:
- Angiosperms have seeds surrounded by fruits, while gymnosperms have bare seeds.
- Gymnosperms do not have the typical flowers of angiosperms, but they usually have cones.
- Angiosperm leaves are usually flat, while gymnosperm leaves are usually pointed or needle-like.
- Angiosperms are usually seasonal plants, while gymnosperms are usually perennial.
Examples of Angiosperm Plants
We also give you some examples of angiosperm plants so that you can see more clearly their differences with gymnosperm plants:
- Avocado tree.
- Sugar cane.
- Ginger.
- Daisies
- Wheat.
- Barley.
- Peach or peach tree.
- Apple tree.
- Orange tree.
Finally, you may be interested in learning more with this other article about What are the parts of a flower and their functions. Also, below you can see a video on this topic.
If you want to read more articles similar to Gymnosperm plants: what are they, characteristics and examples, we recommend that you enter our Biology category.
