Seeds left uncovered

In non-flowering plants that do bear seeds, the seed is not covered by a fruit. The seeds are open to the environment, which is why these are also called gymnosperms — naked-seeded plants.

Cycad (Cycas) Pine (Pinus)

Figure to be added

Figure 13.13 — naked-seeded plants: Cycas and Pinus.

Characteristic	Particulars
Structure	True tissue differentiation has occurred. They bear vascular tissue. Root, stem and leaves are present.
Shape	Large plants. Most are trees with an erect woody trunk. Some are shrubs.
Nutrition	All are autotrophic and photosynthetic.
Reproduction	Sexual reproduction by seeds and asexual reproduction by spores.
Distribution	Distributed through terrestrial environments.

Table 13.3 — the characteristics of non-flowering plants that bear seeds.

The seed made the difference

The plants on the last page were confined to damp shade. These are large trees, distributed widely across terrestrial environments. Only one thing was added — the seed.