Synopsis
A clear, illustrated guide to flowerless plants, starting with Selaginella and its near-planting kin, and linking its life history to the world of flowering plants.
This is the Second Edition of a classic survey in Structural Botany, focused on the vascular cryptogams. It opens with Selaginella Kraussiana, a close look at its creeping stems, branching, and the way its vegetative parts form the plant’s structure. The book then explores how this group reproduces, from spore production to fertilisation, and how these processes illuminate connections with higher plants. Rich in explanations and diagrams, it helps readers see how cryptogams fit into the broader plant kingdom.
Two introductory sections frame the study: first, an overview of external characters and vegetative organs; then a detailed look at reproductive structures and life cycles. The text blends description with discussion of how the life histories of these plants compare to those of flowering plants, offering a connected view of plant evolution and development.
- Step-by-step descriptions of Selaginella’s stem, leaves, roots, and growing points
- Clear explanations of sporangia, spores, and fertilisation processes
- Comparative notes linking cryptogams to phanerogams and broader plant biology
Ideal for students of botany and readers seeking a solid, field- and lab-friendly introduction to flowerless plants and their place in plant evolution.
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