FAQS About Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

There are various tree species here in Indiana, ranging in color, size, shape, growth patterns, and more. But all trees can be categorized into one of two categories: deciduous or conifer. Deciduous trees shed their foliage in the fall and re-bloom them in the spring. Conifer trees, also known as evergreens, keep their foliage all year long.

When trying to determine if a tree is an angiosperm or gymnosperm, your first step is to determine if it is a deciduous or conifer. Continue reading to learn the difference between an angiosperm and gymnosperm in order to improve your tree identification skills!

Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service 317-783-2518

Frequently Asked Questions About Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

What are Angiosperms?

Angiosperms are a taxonomic class of flowering trees. These trees produce seeds that, when matured, is enclosed in an ovule (usually a fruit). For example, an apple is the mature seed that an angiosperm tree produces. The apple is the ovary, or ovule. Angiosperm trees lose their leaves in the fall, and regrow them in the spring, making them a deciduous tree. They are classified as hardwoods, and include species like oaks, maples, dogwoods, and more.

Common Angiosperms:

▷ Lilies
▷ Orchids
▷ Roses
▷ Sunflowers
▷ Oak Trees
▷ Maple Trees
▷ Fruit-Bearing Trees

What are Gymnosperms?

Gymnosperms are a taxonomic class of non-flowering trees that produce a mature seed that is not enclosed inside an ovule of any kind. A pine cone is a perfect example. Also known as “naked seed”, gymnosperm trees are softwoods, and do not lose their foliage in the winter. This makes these conifers. Species include pine trees, cedars, spruces, and firs.

Common Gymnosperms:

▷ Pine Trees
▷ Conifers
▷ Cycads
▷ Spruce Trees
▷ Firs

How Can You Tell the Difference Between the Two?

Here is the general rule to remember: Conifers are gymnosperms and deciduous trees are angiosperms. There are exceptions to the rule, however. You see, some angiosperms keep their leaves in the winter, such as live oak, sweet bay magnolia, and rhododendron trees. And gymnosperm trees do lose their foliage in the winter, such as ginkgo, dawn redwood, and bald cypress trees.

Looking for prompt and professional tree care in your area? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis Indiana tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Common Glossary Terms for Tree Leaves
What are Monocots and Dicots?
What are the Layers of a Tree Trunk?

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

What are Monocots and Dicots?

Have you somehow stumbled across the terms, monocots and dicots, and wonder how they pertain to the tree care industry? Well if so, you have come to the right place. Continue reading to learn the difference between these two important biological organisms, as well as, how they apply to your particular landscaping goals.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Angiosperms

In our last blog, you learned the difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms. When it comes to monocots and dicots, angiosperms are the focus. Angiosperms are often considered the dominant plant-life on the planet because there are an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 species known to man. They are any type of flowering plant whose seeds (ovules) are enclosed in an ovary (usually a fruit). Angiosperms are conventional garden plants that bloom flowers from a hidden seed usually enclosed inside a fruit, which develops from carpels.

As mentioned, angiosperms are the emphasis when discussing monocots and dicots, as all flowering plants are one or the other. These two categories of angiosperms primarily represent the differences in the morphology of plant stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. At a closer look, the basic chief difference between the two comes down to cotyledons. Cotyledons are embryo seed leaves that store and distribute nutrition to the embryo until it can use photosynthesis make its own food.

Monocots, or monocotyledons, have only one cotyledon. Examples include:

❦ Lilies
❦ Daffodils
❦ Grains
❦ Fruit Trees
❦ Corn
❦ Onions

Dicots, or dicotyledons, have two cotyledons. Examples common include:

❦ Daisies
❦ Peas
❦ Mangoes
❦ Apple Trees
❦ Mint

Two Ways to Tell the Difference:

☑ Dicot leaves have branched veins. Monocot leaves are parallel.

☑ Dicot flowers have petals in multiples of 4’s or 5’s. Monocots bloom petals in 3’s or 4’s.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service you can afford. We are experienced tree care technicians that can resolve your tree problems, regardless of your projects size or scope. We offer a wide range of tree removal and tree services, for both residential and commercial properties. We even offer free estimates and free tree care advice!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518