Phanerogams: What are, characteristics and examples

Phanerogams: What are, characteristics and examples

By Dr. Kyle Muller

To continue expanding your knowledge about basic botany we wanted spermatophytes. In fact, to translate this last name with which this group of plants is also known we can discover where its vital importance lies. The word spermatophite means literally translates as “Plants with seeds”This comes from the union of two Greek words: Sperma which means seed and fiton that means plant. We can find very varied phanerogams, from terrestrial to marine phanerogams, as plants with seeds are a very wide group.

Next, we will respond to key issues to understand well the ecological and crucial value of these plants, in addition to adding a list of examples so that you are able to identify them clearly. Keep reading if you want to discover What are phanerogamas plants, their characteristics and examples.

What are phanerogamas plants

Within the Phanerogamous plant groupalso known as spermatophytes or seeds with seedsthere are two of the large groups of plants that populate our planet: Angiosperms and gymnosperms. We recommend you discover more about this type of plants with these other articles about what are angiosperms plants, what are gymnosperms and the difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms. We will even find several species of ferns within this classification known as Pteridospermas. Many of the ferns of ferns belonging to this classification are within the group of fossil plants, hence many forget that they are part of the phanerogamy plants.

Another important fact to comment is that there are certain varieties of phanerogamous plants that have adapted to the aquatic environment. These grow in an shallow area of ​​warm waters, as is the case in the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, they are an essential source for many species of living beings, from small organisms to other living being, such as fish or man.

As for the reproduction of phanogamous plants We will find, in the case of angio espermas, a first group capable of creating flowers for reproduction. In this way, the seed is the product of pollination. However, we also find plants within the phanerogams that reproduce in a asexual way. The seed, an organ that characterizes spermatophytes or phanerogams is composed of three layers. In the first one is the embryo, in the second it is composed of tissues with nutritional properties that help the embryo to grow and develop during the first stage and, finally, in the third is the protective layer that is responsible for inducing the germination of the plant when the optimal conditions for its development are met. We recommend you learn more about the parts of the seed and its functions with this other post.

The IMPORTANCE OF PHANNEROGAMAS PLANTS Not only does it reside, as in most cases, in its ornamental value, but to be part of the progress of civilization. These are not only able to give us food, such as fruit or cereal, but also produce energy and medicinal drinks, such as coffee or tea. Moreover, many of them produce materials with which wood and resins are produced, as well as cotton and dyes, essential for the textile industry.

Phanerogamas plants: what are, characteristics and examples - What are the phanerogamas plants

Characteristics of Phanerogama plants

These are the main characteristics of plants phanerogams:

  • The main characteristic of sperm is their ability to produce seeds. The seeds are the product of pollination: union phase between the female and masculine cell.
  • Phanerogamans plants are one of the most present plant groups on the planet. These are distributed throughout the earth being able to adapt to very diverse climates.
  • Do phanerogams form flowers? The truth is that within the phanerogamas plants we will find some capable of producing flowers, such as those belonging to the angiosperms group. Similarly, there are also gymnosperms that, even without being able to produce flowers, create a site made to protect the seed.
  • Phanerogamous plants have chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll. Therefore, all can perform photosynthesis to convert sunlight into a source of energy with which to produce their own food.
  • The majority of fanerogamas plants have a highly developed vascular fabric. That is, they have both xylem and tracheids, as well as other secondary growth tissues.

Examples of fanerogamas plants

Finally, we mention several examples of plants phanerogams:

  • ABIES ALBA OR APTO
  • Acorus gramineus or Gramíneo Acoro
  • Allium strain or onion
  • Antirhinum Majus or Dragon Boca
  • Buganvilla or Bugambilia
  • Cichorium endivia L. or endivia
  • Chrysanthemum or Chrysanthemum
  • Cycadoophyta or CiCada
  • Cyclamen or Ciclamen
  • Cedrus deodara or Cedro del Himalayas
  • Dahlia or Dalia
  • Dianthus Caryophyllus or Clavel
  • Erythronium or dog tooth
  • Imperialis Fritillaria or Imperial Corona
  • Ginkgo Biloba or Gingko
  • Helianthus Annuus or Sunflower
  • Hibiscus or Hibiscus
  • Illicium Verum or star anise
  • Juniperus communis or juniper
  • Juniperus Phoenicea or Sabina Roma
  • Pinus pinea or pine pine
  • Laurus noblelis or common laurel
  • Lactuca sativa L. or lettuce
  • Lilium candidum or azucena
  • Magnolia Stellata or Magnolia star
  • MUSA X Paradisiac or Plantenero
  • Nymphaea termarum or water lily
  • ORYZA SATIVA OR RICE
  • Piper Nigrum L. or black pepper
  • American Persea or avocado
  • Sequoia Sempervirens or Secuoya
  • Baccata or Tejo Taxus
  • Zantedeschia Aethiopica or Cala
  • Zea mays or corn

Phanerogamas plants: what are, characteristics and examples - examples of phanerogams plants

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Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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