Plant Reproduction

1. Plant Reproduction

2. Angiosperm Classification • An angiosperm is a plant that produces flowers. • Flowering plants that complete their life cycle within 1 growing season (period of each year when native or ornamental plants grow) are called annuals.

3. Angiosperm Classification • Marigolds, petunias, wheat, and cucumbers are examples of annuals.

4. Angiosperm Classification • Angiosperms that complete their life cycle in 2 years are called biennials. • In the first year biennials germinate and grow roots, very short stems, and leaves. • In the second year they lengthen their stems, grow new leaves, and produce flowers and seeds.

5. Angiosperm Classification • Parsley, celery, and foxglove are biennials.

6. Angiosperm Classification • Flowering plants that live for more than 2 years are called perennials. • Butterfly weed and peonies are examples of perennials.

7. Gymnosperms • Gymnosperms are seed-producing plants. • Examples of gymnosperms include ginkgo (a plant that is considered to be a living fossil) and conifers.

8. Plant Reproduction • Most gymnosperms have scale-covered reproductive structures called cones. • There are 2 types of cones: male and female cones. • Usually one plant will produce both male and female cones, but some individual trees produce either male cones or female cones, and a few produce no cones.

9. Plant Reproduction Male Cone Female Cone

10. Plant Reproduction • All plants undergo sexual reproduction that involves fertilization. • Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell unites with an egg cell. • The fertilized egg is called a zygote. • Many plants can also undergo asexual reproduction.

11. Plant Reproduction • Examples of plants that horticulturalists take cuttings of to produce more of the plant include dandelions and apple trees.