Ferns have evolved a number of strategies for both fertilisation and dispersal of their spore such as wind pollination… In ferns, as with all vascular plants, the sporophyte is the dominant generation. General Characteristics of Ferns Ferns stand out among garden regulars for their lack of flowers and seeds. A fern is a seedless and flowerless plant that reproduces through spores. ( Leafy Fronds. New fiddle head ferns sprout from a forest floor. On one level the possession of vascular tissue—xylem and phloem—separates the ferns and their allies from the bryophytes and the lack of seeds from the gymnosperms and angiosperms. The ferns are a numerous and important group of vascular plants, with about 12 000 species growing throughout the world. ‘ferns and fern allies’, comprise about 12 000 species of vascular plants that do not produce flowers or seeds, reproducing instead via the production of spores. Years ago, clay pots, wooden boxes or moss baskets were the most popular fern containers. Stemlike Rhizomes. Compounded leaves allow ferns to achieve greater surface area. Its sword-shaped, blue-green fronds with many tiny leaflets are erect and arch as they grow larger. How did ferns become so diverse, and what are the secrets to their success? Botanically, they belong to the division of non-flowering plants known as Pteridophyta. Today, however, many gardeners use plastic pots. Start studying (2) Characteristics of Ferns. The fiddleheads of certain ferns, including the western sword, ostrich, and royal are edible, commonly eaten as a vegetable. Though do not consider using all fern types for edible purposes as some have carcinogenic or cancer-causing effects. It has a rhizome from which roots spring downward and fronds grow upwards. The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), also known as the sword fern, is a popular fern species that grows in many tropical areas around the world.It is also commonly kept as a houseplant, especially because it doesn’t have high sunlight needs.The foliage of this fern remains evergreen. Ferns belong to the division Pteridophyta, which has lower vascular plants. Today, ferns are the second-most diverse group of vascular plants on Earth, outnumbered only by flowering plants. Distinctive Reproduction. Spores and Sporangia. In total, it is the combination of everything listed that truly makes a fern a fern. A lot of fern characteristics are shared among other land plants. The “which‐goes‐where” disagreements primarily concern extinct groups, but some extant ferns are problematical in their relationships also. In time, you will learn the growth characteristics of the ferns you enjoy. Fern, class of several thousand species of nonflowering vascular plants that reproduce by spores. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Growing plants in plastic pots is a bit different than other containers because moisture and air cannot move through plastic. As the fern gets closer to its light source, it grows bigger, which then allows it to enter into a cycle of expanding while generating the ability to flourish. Ferns have true roots, stems, and complex leaves and constitute an ancient division of plants. They range from small epiphytes to tree ferns 20 m high to floating aquatics. Mosses also reproduce with the use of spores, and different flowering plants have vascular tissue. With around 10,500 living species (PPG 1), ferns outnumber the remaining non-flowering vascular plants (the lycophytes and gymnosperms) by a factor of 4 to 1. References. When they have more leaves, ferns are capable of holding more chloroplasts and photosynthesis becomes more effective. Vascular plants have vessels to circulate water and other fluids. Learn about their physical characteristics, life cycle, genetics, evolutionary history, and classification. General characteristics. Contrary to gymnosperms and angiosperms however, the gametophyte generation is free-living and before it gives rise to the sporophyte. Many ferns have a perennial rhizome, either underground or growing along a branch if epiphytic, with roots attached.