Tracheophytes (Vascular plants)

Tracheophytes include the true land plants or vascular plants. The adult plant body is a sporophyte and shows definite root, stem and leaves. Vascular tissues xylem and phloem are present for the translocation of water and food respectively. Gametophytic phase is short lived. It may be parasitic on the sporophyte or independent.

Tracheophytes include three major groups of plants, namely;

1. Pteridophytes: Vascular plants which do not produce seeds

2. Gymnosperms: Vascular plants which produce seeds but not fruits

3. Angiosperms: Vascular plants which produce seeds enclosed in fruits