General features of the division Coniferophyta

Division Coniferophyta posses the following features:

(a) They are non-flowering seed bearing plants.

(b) They produce naked seeds which are not enclosed in ovaries.

(c) They have reproductive structures called cones . There are male and female cones. The male cones are smaller and usually occur in clusters. They produce dust-like pollen which contain male sex cells or gametes that pollinate female cones. The female cones of most conifers have compound structure. They have larger and contain ovules which are attached to leaf-like scales of the cone. The cones are usually closed in order to protect the developing seeds that will eventually ripen and be released.

(d) Fertilisation in conifers does not require water, instead male gametes are carried by wind or insects to the female reproductive organs. Then they develop pollen tubes which carry sperms to the ovule for fertilisation.

(e) They have simple xylem with only tracheids as conducting elements but no vessel elements. This is the reason why most coniferophytes produce soft wood.

(f) Their phloem tissues lack companion cells; instead, they are associated with albuminous cells.

(g) They have needle-like or scaled leaves with thick cuticle for protection and reduction of water loss.

(h) Conifers are widely distributed but commonly found in areas with cold climate where they form evergreen forests.