Magnolia Flower

The Anthophyta has been called the Magnoliophyta. They are also called the Angiosperms or Flowering Plants. The designation of Magnoliophyta comes from the most ancestral family in this taxon.

Anthophyta means covered seed. The seed is covered by the Carpel Wall (Pericarp). You will see this later in the lecture.

Anemone  Herbaceous Plant

Aristolochia Flower Tropical Vine

Koa Leaf Cross Section Hawaiian Tree

There are two major classes commonly known as Dicots (Dicotyledones) & Monocots (Monocotyledones). We do not have the time to distinguish between these two taxa in depth. However, a few noteworthy distinctions will be mentioned.

Opuntia (Cactaceae) A Dicot

Tradescantia - A Monocot

While these have many important Vegetative adaptations, the most important adaptations are related to Sexual Reproduction. These include the production of Flowers and Fruits.

Distribution & Abundance

This is the largest and most important plant Division! There are thousands of Genera & Species (200,000). Some are almost microscopic in size (Lemna) while others are gigantic,

Bird of Paradise Strelitzia (Musaceae)

Halophila is a Sea "Grass"

Lemna a floating freshwater Angiosperm

They have a worldwide distribution and can be found in Virtually all Terrestrial Habitats from the far North to the Tropics. Like most plants, they reach their greatest diversity and abundance in the Tropics.

Begonia is a terrestrial wildflower in the Tropics

A beautiful epiphytic Bromeliad from a Puerto Rican Rainforest

Nymphaea: Waterlily

Some are found in Fresh Water & a few are found in Marine habitats. 

They form the Dominant Components of most Terrestrial Ecosystems.

Habit

They can be minute like Lemna, or gigantic like some tropical trees (koa).

They can be annuals or perennials.

They may be entirely fleshy (herbaceous) or they can be woody shrubs & trees.

They can be Epiphytic, like many Orchids & Bromeliads.

In aquatic environments that can be floating and/or submerged.

There are some parasitic and saprophytic species, as well.

They can also be carnivores!!!!

Flowering plants of agronomic value like wheat and rice were the foundation for Civilizations.

They help to regulate major ecological cycles on the planet!

Many species are cultivated for their beauty, and are the basis for Horticulture.

Some have even become Movie Stars!!!

Is there any place they can't survive?

They do not live on Glaciers as some bacteria, algae and fungi can! They can't live in hot springs! They don't live in the open ocean or at the bottom of the ocean.

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