Division Magnoliophyta

The Magnoliophyta is the largest plant group on Earth. It contains more than 250,000 described species. Some major features of this Division are presented in an abbreviated phylogeny according to Hutchinson. The following flow charts give examples of some Orders and Families that have appeared to produce a pathway of organized development. Select the links to follow the study.

For a more detailed description of the Families cited, you can link to Dallwitz, M. J. (1995 onwards). `The Families of Flowering Plants: Descriptions and Illustrations.' URL http://muse.bio.cornell.edu/delta/. Links for the specific Families are found at the bottom of each page.

To access the Woody Dicots, the Herbaceous Dicots, or the Monocots click on the name in text or red rectangle.

Woody Dicots

Herbaceous Dicots

Monocots

The Woody Dicots Line evolved a tendency for secondary growth and woody tissues.

The Herbaceous Dicot Line developed stems generally without secondary growth and are mostly herbaceous.

The Monocotyledonous Line developed seeds with one cotyledon, generally parallel, veined leaves, atactostelic vascular tissue,flower parts in three or multiples of threes, generally without secondary growth, intercalary meristems common.

Division Magnoliophyta

For a more detailed description of the Families cited, you can link to Dallwitz, M. J. (1995 onwards). `The Families of Flowering Plants: Descriptions and Illustrations.' URL http://muse.bio.cornell.edu/delta/. Links for the specific Families are found at the bottom of each page.

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