Known as angiosperms (which means “seed
cases”), flowering plants produce seeds inside the swollen base of
the FLOWER, the ovary. Flowering plants make up over 80 per cent
of all plant species. They are found in most parts of the world and range in
size from tiny aquatic duckweed to gigantic eucalyptus trees. Flowering plants
are divided into two groups, monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
The largest group of flowering plants, dicotyledons have two seed
leaves. Veins branch out along the adult leaves. Their petals and other flower
parts usually occur in fours or fives.
Containing a plant’s reproductive organs, flowers
are the showy parts of flowering plants. Many depend on animal pollinators,
which they attract with their colour, markings, or scent. Some plants, such as
lilies, grow single flowers. Other plants produce large clusters of flowers.
Daisies and sunflowers have many tiny flowers, or florets, that form a single
flowerhead.
