Explore the science of plant life from the inside out
This classic reference lays out how the tiny, spore‑forming plants of the higher cryptogams grow, develop, and reproduce. Rich with careful observations, it guides readers through germination, leaf and stem formation, and the emergence of complex reproductive structures.
This edition covers a wide range of plants, from liverworts and mosses to ferns and conifers, focusing on the germ-plant, the fruiting steps, and the cellular changes that drive growth. It presents the experiments, figures, and historical notes behind major discoveries in the field, helping readers understand plant development in a clear, organized way.
What you’ll experience
- Step‑by‑step descriptions of germination, spore formation, and fruit development in key groups
- Close looks at structures like archegonia, antheridia, elaters, calyptra, and spore mother cells
- Comparisons of leaf and stem growth across several genera, with attention to cell division and vascular development
- Historical context highlighting major researchers and how their findings fit together
Ideal for students and curious readers who want a solid, readable foundation in the biology of mosses, liverworts, and other cryptogams, with a focus on development and reproduction.