Õistaimed

Õistaimed, also known as flowering plants or angiosperms, represent the largest and most diverse group within the plant kingdom. They are characterized by the presence of flowers, which are their reproductive structures. These flowers typically contain both male and female parts, leading to the production of seeds enclosed within a fruit. This evolutionary innovation, the development of fruits from the ovary of a flower, has been crucial to their widespread success and diversification.

The life cycle of an õistaim involves alternation of generations, with a dominant sporophyte generation producing the familiar leafy plant. Pollination, the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma, is a key process, often facilitated by wind, water, or animals. Following successful pollination and fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed, and the ovary matures into a fruit, which aids in seed dispersal. This vast group encompasses an incredible array of forms, from tiny aquatic plants to towering trees, and plays a vital role in ecosystems worldwide, providing food and habitat for countless organisms.