Definition of Flowering Plants

Flowering plants are plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. The basic structure of a flowering plant are its roots, stem, leaves, flowers and fruit.

History

Flowering plants were not always a part of our world. Scientists say that while life on Earth began more than 4 billion years ago, flowering plants came into existence approximately 135 million years ago.

Significance

Flowering plants are necessary to our survival as nearly all of our food comes from them. Our world would not be recognizable if flowering plants suddenly disappeared. The landscape would be altered and man and beast would not be able to survive.

Misconceptions

Although pine trees and other conifers produce flowerlike structures as part of their reproductive cycle, they are not considered flowering plants. This would include such common varieties as conifer trees, spruce and yew bushes.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a flowering plant is simple. A dormant seed germinates, growing roots into the soil. As it grows, it produces a stem upward toward the light. As the stem grows, it produces leaves and flowers. The flowers are pollinated and eventually a seed is produced. The seed is the fruit of the flower. The fruit can be dry or fleshy and when ripened, the seeds are dispersed and the life cycle begins again.

Considerations

Flowering plants are not only the basis of our food chain, but they provide us with beauty and fragrance. One cannot begin to imagine our environment without the flowering plant.