Brent Cornell

    
The kingdom Plantae contains 12 phyla – which includes bryophytes, filicinophytes, coniferophytes and angiospermophytes

• These phyla can be differentiated according to a few key recognition features

Bryophyta

• Has no vascularisation (i.e. lacks xylem and phloem)
• Has no ‘true’ leaves, roots or stems (are anchored by a root-like structure called a rhizoid)
• Reproduce by releasing spores from sporangia (reproductive stalks)
• Examples include mosses and liverworts

Filicinophyta

• Has vascularisation (i.e xylem and phloem)
• Have leaves, roots and stems (leaves are pinnate – consisting of large fronds divided into leaflets)
• Reproduce by releasing spores from clusters called sori on the underside of the leaves
• Examples include ferns

Coniferophyta

• Has vascularisation
• Have leaves, roots and stems (stems are woody and leaves are waxy and needle-like)
• Reproduce by non-motile gametes (seeds) which are found in cones
• Examples include pine trees and conifers

Angiospermophyta

• Has vascularisation
• Have leaves, roots and stems (individual species may be highly variable in structure)
• Reproduce by seeds produced in ovules within flowers (seeds may develop in fruits)
• Examples include all flowering plants and grasses

Plant Phyla Recognition Features:

Overview of Plant Phyla