Question

Plants with no roots, but have stems and leaves are known as ________

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are the descending part of the plant that grows inside the soil and anchor the plant to the substratum. The stem is the ascending part of the plant that is positively phototropic. The leaves are the flat green structures present on the stem of the plant that helps in photosynthesis. These plants resemble that of a whisk.

Complete answer: The plants with no roots, but have stems and leaves are known as Psilotum.
The Psilotum belongs to the Psilopsida class of the phylum Pteridophytes. It is the most primitive class. All the members of this class are fossilized. The Psilotum is the only living member. Psilotum is also known as the whisk fern. This is because its stems and leaves form a complicated structure that resembles that of a whisk. It has no true roots. Instead of roots, rhizoids are present that help in anchoring it to the soil. The branched enations that are present on the stem are non-vascularized. The stem has vascular tissues present, however. Only two living species of Psilotum are found. Pteridophytes lie between the bryophytes and gymnosperms. The members of this phylum are terrestrial, but they require water to complete their life cycle due to which they are known as the vascular amphibians of the plant kingdom.

Note: The main body of pteridophytes is sporophytic which is clearly differentiated into well-developed roots, stems, and leaves. They also have the presence of vascular tissues like xylem and phloem for the conduction of food and water. However, vascular bundles are not present.