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Psilotophyta

Also called the whisk ferns, these are the simplest of the vascular plants.

The division of consists of two genera, Psilotum and Tmesipteris. As with angiosperms, plants of the Psilotophyta have vascular tissue (xylem and phloem), however, they are characterised by the lack of roots, and sometimes the lack of leaves. The plants consist of a small, underground, gametophyte, which lacks chlorophyll and has associations with mycorrhizal fungi. The have a life cycle similar to that of ferns, with motile sperm and a self-sustaining, photosynthetic sporophyte.

Sites in Psilotophyta

Psilotaceae
Division/family description and thumbnail links to images of two species of Psilotum from Hawaii.
Phylum Psilophyta
Includes phylum description, and links to images of members of the Psilotaceae.
Division Psilotophyta
Description with links to images of Psilotum nudum and Tmesipteris tannensis.
Classification of Psilotophyta
Main entry in Systema Naturae 2000.
Fork Ferns
Illustrated introduction to the five species of Psilotaceae found in New Zealand.
Introduction to the Psilotales
Includes descriptions of morphology and life history.
Psilophyta
Profusely illustrated description focussed on morphology and evolution.

sub categories in Psilotophyta

Psilotum Psilotum
Tmesipteris Tmesipteris

cross references

Science : Biology : Flora and Fauna : Plantae : Pteridophyta Science : Biology : Flora and Fauna : Plantae : Pteridophyta
Psilotophyta  -  Directory Psilotophyta  -  Directory Psilotophyta  -  Directory Psilotophyta  -  Directory