Classification of Plants

Synopsis

Classification of Kingdom Plantae

• Kingdom Plantae is classified into five major divisions: Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.
• Plants are classified into these divisions based on:

• Whether the plant body has well differentiated distinct components.
• Whether the differentiated plant body has special tissues for the transport of water and substances.
• Ability to bear seeds and whether the seeds are enclosed within fruits.
  
   

• The thallophytes, bryophytes and pteridophytes have naked embryos called spores. 
• The reproductive organs of plants in all these three groups are very inconspicuous, and they are therefore called cryptogams or ‘those with hidden reproductive organs. 

Classification of Cryptogams

Classification of Phanerogams

• Plants with well-differentiated reproductive tissues that ultimately produce seeds after the reproductive process are called phanerogams. 
• They consist of the embryo along with stored food, which serves as food reserve for the initial growth of the embryo during germination. 
• Phanerogams are further classified into two groups, gymnosperms and angiosperms based on whether the seeds are naked or enclosed within fruits.