Spermatophytes

The appearance of the ovule

Certain plants of the Middle Devonian (380 Ma) have ovules on their fronds: these are the first spermatophytes. The appearance of the ovule, a female reproductive structure packed with reserves produced by the plant, implies significant modifications of the reproduction process. This innovation allows the plant to spread to other habitats that are less dependent on humid conditions.

The spermatophytes are very diverse: small plants, climbers, Carboniferous “ovule-bearing ferns”, trees with imposing trunks, etc.

The medullosales, climbers with enormous ovules and large fronds found in the Carboniferous and Permian, are a key group in plant evolution. They are considered a sister group to more recent plants with ovules: cycas, gingkoes, conifers and flowering plants.