plöntan

Plöntan refers to the organisms commonly known as plants, a diverse group of photosynthetic, predominantly multicellular organisms in the kingdom Plantae. Plants are primarily terrestrial but also inhabit freshwater and marine environments. Most use chlorophylls to capture light energy and perform photosynthesis, fixing carbon dioxide into sugars and releasing oxygen.

Within Plantae, major lineages include non-vascular plants such as mosses, liverworts and hornworts, and vascular plants which possess specialized tissues (xylem and phloem). Vascular plants are further divided into seedless groups (ferns and horsetails) and seed plants, which include gymnosperms (conifers, cycads) and angiosperms (flowering plants). Angiosperms dominate modern flora.

Plants typically exhibit an alternation of generations, with a multicellular diploid sporophyte and a multicellular haploid gametophyte. In non-seed plants, reproduction occurs via spores; in seed plants, fertilization leads to seeds, often enclosed in fruits in angiosperms. Roots, stems, and leaves form the basic organ plan, while wood, bark and other tissues add structural diversity.

Ecologically, plants are primary producers, forming the base of most ecosystems and contributing to oxygen production and carbon cycling. They create habitats, influence climate locally, and engage in symbiotic relationships with fungi, bacteria, and animals.

Humans rely on plants for food, materials, medicine, and cultural value, while protecting them is vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Threats include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and invasive species.