Which amongst the following is not a characteristic feature of phanerogams/spermatophytes?

The correct answer is they are seedless plants.

Key Points

• A spermatophyte, also known as phanerogam is any plant that produces seeds.
  • They are a subset of the embryophytes or land plants.
  • It is classified into two parts: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.
• Some of the characteristics of Phanerogams-
  • The plant body is divided into distinct roots, shoots, and leaves.
  • They produce special reproductive structures and generate seeds.
  • They contain conducting elements, like xylem and phloem. The xylem may be without vessels (as in most Gymnosperms) or vessels (as in Angiosperms).
  • The reproduction is sexual and vegetative. Flowers (or cones or strobili) are reproductive structures.
  • The lifecycle of these plants is completed in two generations: sporophytic generation and gametophytic generation.
  • Gametophyte generation is dominant in bryophytes and algae, whereas gametophyte generation is dominating in pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Gametophytes are nutritionally dependent upon sporophytes in phanerogams. 
  • Sexual reproduction is always an oogamous type.
  • Phanerogams do not require water for their fertilisation process.

Additional Information

•  The examples of Phenograms are-
  • Gymnosperms
    • Cycas
    • Pinus
    • Ginkgo
    • Gnetum
    • Ephedra
  • Angiosperms
    • Sunflower
    • Rose
    • Mustards
    • Bamboo
    • Wheat