Phylum 5: Angiosperms – Flowering Plants
Angiosperms, or flowering plants, represent the most evolved, diverse, and dominant group
in the Plant Kingdom. Scientifically known as Phylum Angiospermae (also called
Magnoliophyta), angiosperms have colonized nearly every habitat on Earth, from rainforests to
deserts, and polar regions to freshwater ecosystems. Their success is largely due to their
advanced reproductive structures—flowers and fruits—as well as the efficiency of their
vascular system and adaptability.
There are over 300,000 known species of angiosperms, making them the most species-rich
group of land plants. They play central ecological and economic roles, forming the
foundation of agriculture and the food web.
Morphological and Structural Characteristics
1. Presence of Flowers:
○ The defining feature of angiosperms is the production of flowers, which are
specialized reproductive structures.
○ Flowers contain male parts (stamens) and/or female parts (carpels) and may
attract pollinators using color, scent, or nectar.
2. Seeds Enclosed in Fruits:
○ Unlike gymnosperms, angiosperm seeds are enclosed in a fruit, which develops
from the ovary of the flower after fertilization.
○ Fruits protect the seeds and aid in seed dispersal by animals, wind, or water.
3. Dominant Sporophyte Generation:
○ The diploid sporophyte is the dominant phase in the angiosperm life cycle.
○ The gametophyte generation is highly reduced and dependent on the
sporophyte.
4. Highly Efficient Vascular System:
○ Angiosperms have complex vascular tissues:
■ Xylem with vessels for water conduction
■ Phloem for transporting organic nutrients
○ This efficiency allows them to grow taller and adapt to various environments.
5. Double Fertilization:
○ A unique and advanced feature of angiosperms.
○ One male gamete fuses with the egg to form the zygote (2n), while the other
fuses with two polar nuclei to form triploid endosperm (3n), which nourishes the
developing embryo.
Sub-Divisions of Angiosperms
Angiosperms are broadly divided into Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons, based on the
number of cotyledons (seed leaves) in the seed.
1. Monocotyledons (Monocots):
● Have one cotyledon in the seed.
● Parallel venation in leaves.
● Fibrous root system (no main root).
● Vascular bundles are scattered in the stem.
● Floral parts usually in multiples of 3.
● Examples: Wheat, Rice, Maize, Banana, Onion, Lily
2. Dicotyledons (Dicots):
● Have two cotyledons in the seed.
● Reticulate (net-like) venation in leaves.
● Taproot system with a main root.
● Vascular bundles are arranged in a ring.
● Floral parts usually in multiples of 4 or 5.
● Examples: Pea, Rose, Sunflower, Mango, Mustard
Reproductive Process
1. Pollination:
○ Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma, either within the same flower
(self-pollination) or between different flowers (cross-pollination).
○ Pollination agents include wind (anemophily), insects (entomophily), birds
(ornithophily), and water (hydrophily).
2. Fertilization:
○ Follows pollination. Pollen grain germinates on the stigma, forming a pollen tube
that delivers two male gametes to the ovule.
○ Double fertilization occurs, leading to the formation of a zygote and
endosperm.
3. Seed and Fruit Development:
○ Ovule becomes the seed.
○ Ovary becomes the fruit, helping in seed protection and dispersal.
4. Seed Dispersal:
○ Achieved through various agents such as wind, water, animals, and
mechanical means, ensuring the spread of the species over a wide area.
Economic and Ecological Importance
1. Food Production:
○ Angiosperms are the primary source of human food, including grains (rice,
wheat), fruits (mango, apple), vegetables (potato, tomato), legumes (pea, bean),
and oils (mustard, coconut).
2. Fiber and Fabric:
○ Provide materials like cotton, jute, and flax for the textile industry.
3. Medicinal Plants:
○ Many flowering plants are sources of life-saving drugs, such as Foxglove
(digitalis), Cinchona (quinine), and Catharanthus (cancer treatment).
4. Timber and Construction:
○ Hardwood trees like teak, sal, and mahogany are valuable for furniture and
building materials.
5. Ornamentals and Landscaping:
○ Flowering plants like roses, lilies, hibiscus, and orchids are cultivated for
aesthetic and cultural value.
6. Ecological Roles:
○ Provide oxygen through photosynthesis.
○ Support pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds).
○ Stabilize ecosystems by forming forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
○ Participate in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.
7. Agriculture and Economy:
○ Backbone of agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture industries.
○ Contribute significantly to GDP and global trade.
