Magnoliophyta

Magnoliophyta is a taxonomic group within the kingdom Plantae. It is also known as the flowering plants or angiosperms. The group is characterized by the presence of flowers and endosperm within the seeds. The group is the most diverse among land plants, with approximately 352,000 species classified into 64 orders, 416 families, approximately 13,000 genera and 295,383 known species.

Classification

The Magnoliophyta are divided into two major groups: the Monocots and the Dicots. These groups are distinguished by a number of characteristics including the number of cotyledons, the arrangement of vascular bundles in the stem, and the number of parts in each flower.

Monocots

Monocots, or monocotyledons, have one cotyledon in their seeds. They have parallel leaf veins and flower parts in multiples of three. Examples of monocots include grasses, lilies, and palms.

Dicots

Dicots, or dicotyledons, have two cotyledons in their seeds. They have net-like leaf veins and flower parts in multiples of four or five. Examples of dicots include roses, sunflowers, and most trees and shrubs.

Evolution

The Magnoliophyta are believed to have evolved from gymnosperm ancestors around 140 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. The first flowering plants are known from fossils of the early Cretaceous period.

Economic importance

Many Magnoliophyta species are of great economic importance. They provide most of the world's food crops, timber, and medicinal plants. Some are also used for ornamental purposes, and many others have cultural and symbolic significance.

See also

• Plant
• Flower
• Seed
• Monocotyledon
• Dicotyledon

References

Magnoliophyta Resources
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