(Pteron = feather, phyton = plant, i.e. plants having feather-like leaves) · Pteridophytes i.e. plants having feather-like leaves constitute a group of cryptogams having well developed vascular bundles. · They are often called vascular cryptogams and Botanical snakes of the plant kingdom. i.e. non-flowering plants with vascular bundles. · Pteridophytes are the most primitive vascular plants . · They are mostly herbaceous and grow in moist and shady places. · These are the plants that reproduce by spores and don’t produce the seeds. So the pteridophytes are a group of seedless vascular plants. (Note: Seed habit was originated in selaginella due to heterospory but established in gymnosperm). · Pteridophytes are the first vascular land plants (order Psilophytales eg: Rhynia) · Rhynia is a fossil plant grouped under Psilophytales. · The Carboniferous period of the palaeozoic era can be regarded as the “age of the Pteridophyta”. · Vascular tissues are (a) Xylem: T...