Vascular and non-vascular plants are two main groups of plants, based on how they transport water and nutrients.
Vascular plants
- These plants have special tubes called xylem and phloem.
- Xylem carries water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
- Phloem carries food made in the leaves to other parts of the plant.
- They can grow taller because these tubes help move materials efficiently.
- Examples: Ferns, pine trees, flowering plants (like mango, rose, wheat).
Non-vascular plants
- These plants do not have xylem or phloem.
- They are usually small and low to the ground because they absorb water directly through their surface.
- They live mostly in damp or shady areas.
- Examples: Mosses, liverworts, hornworts.
In short:
- Vascular plants have transport systems and can grow tall.
- Non-vascular plants lack transport systems and stay small.