Tag: classification of pteridophytes

Selaginella is characterized by heterospory and the presence of ligules on its leaves.

In Selaginella, the megasporophyll bears the megasporangium, which is functionally analogous to the carpel in angiosperms that encloses the ovule. This comparison highlights the evolutionary trend toward seed-bearing structures.

The male gametophyte of Selaginella is highly reduced. It consists of a single prothallial cell and an antheridium.

Like all pteridophytes, the life cycle of Selaginella exhibits alternation of generations where the sporophyte is the dominant, independent, and photosynthetic phase.

The stem of Selaginella typically contains a protostele, which is the simplest type of stele consisting of a solid core of xylem surrounded by phloem.

The plant body of Selaginella is a sporophyte, which is diploid and produces spores through meiosis.

Selaginella bryopteris is widely identified as the plant known as Sanjeevani in Indian traditional medicine due to its resurrection properties.

Selaginella is considered to show a rudimentary seed habit because the megaspore is retained within the megasporangium and the female gametophyte develops while still attached to the parent plant.

The ligule is a small, scale-like outgrowth found on the adaxial surface of the leaves of Selaginella, which is a characteristic feature of the order Selaginellales.

Selaginella can reproduce vegetatively through various methods including fragmentation, tubers, and resting buds, which allow it to propagate effectively.