General Aspects of Pteridophyta – A Review

Abstract

Article InfoPteridophyta is a phylum of plants which is commonly known as ferns. About more than 12,000 different species of ferns are distributed worldwide. They are distinguished from flowering plants by not producing seeds & fruit. The members of Pteridophyta reproduce through spores. Ferns were some of the Earth"s first land plants. They are vascular and have true leaves. In evolutionary history, the advent of vascular plants changed the way the world looked. Prior to the spread of vascular plants, the land had only plants that were no more than a few centimeters tall; the origin of the vascular system made it possible for plants to be much taller. As it became possible for plants to grow taller, it also became necessary -otherwise, they would get shaded by their taller neighbors. With the advent of vascular plants, the competition for light became intense, and forests started to cover the earth. (A forest is simply a crowd of plants competing for light). The earliest forests were composed of vascular non-seed plant, though modern forests are dominant by seed plant.

Identification of the Type of Ferns in the Forest Area of Noongan Village

“…Ferns are also plants (Pteridophyta) with characteristics like Cormophyta plants with spores and can live in various habitats. Agrawal (2017). Ferns are found all across the world, from the tropics to near the north and south poles, depending on their habitat.…”

Pteridophyta Di Kawasan Air Terjun Suhom Kecamatan Lhoong Kabupaten Aceh Besar

“…Selain itu, tumbuhan ini juga memiliki spora yang tersimpan dalam sebuah organ yang disebut sporangia (tunggal) dan sori (jamak) yang biasanya melekat pada daun fertil (sporofil). Sama halnya dengan tumbuhan lumut, tumbuhan paku juga mengalami pergiliran keturunan yaitu terjadi perubahan generasi gametofit bersifat haploid menjadi generasi sporofit yang bersifat diploid [3].…”

“…Beberapa spesies tumbuhan paku dikenal merupakan bahan makanan. Menurut Pelton (2012) dalam Agrawal (2017) tumbuhan paku umumnya diketahui tidak beracun bagi manusia [3]. Secara tidak langsung kehadiran Pteridophyta turut memberikan manfaat dalam memelihara ekosistem hutan antara lain dalam pembentukan tanah, pengamanan tanah terhadap erosi serta membantu proses pelapukan serasah hutan [4].…”

“…Lebih lanjut, beberapa spesies bertindak sebagai fitoremediator bagi senyawa berbahaya. Menurut Benniamin (2009) dalam Agrawal (2017) Pteris vittata digunakan untuk menyerap arsenik dari tanah [3].…”