Definitions for: Cryptogamia

[n] in former classification systems: one of two major plant divisions, including all plants that do not bear seeds: ferns, mosses, algae, fungi

Webster (1913) Definition: Cryp`to*ga"mi*a (kr?p`t?-g?"m?-?), n.; pl.
Cryptogami[ae] (-?). [NL., fr. Gr. krypto`s hidden, secret
+ ga`mos marriage.] (Bot.)
The series or division of flowerless plants, or those never
having true stamens and pistils, but propagated by spores of
various kinds.

Note: The subdivisions have been variously arranged. The
following arrangement recognizes four classes: -- I.
{Pteridophyta, or Vascular Acrogens.} These include
Ferns, Equiseta or Scouring rushes, Lycopodiace[ae]
or Club mosses, Selaginelle[ae], and several other
smaller orders. Here belonged also the extinct coal
plants called Lepidodendron, Sigillaria, and
Calamites. II. {Bryophita, or Cellular Acrogens}.
These include Musci, or Mosses, Hepatic[ae], or
Scale mosses and Liverworts, and possibly
Charace[ae], the Stoneworts. III. {Alg[ae]}, which
are divided into Floride[ae], the Red Seaweeds, and
the orders Dictyote[ae], O["o]spore[ae],
Zo["o]spore[ae], Conjugat[ae], Diatomace[ae], and
Cryptophyce[ae]. IV. {Fungi}. The molds, mildews,
mushrooms, puffballs, etc., which are variously grouped
into several subclasses and many orders. The Lichenes
or Lichens are now considered to be of a mixed nature,
each plant partly a Fungus and partly an Alga.

Antonyms: Phanerogamae

See Also: division, kingdom Plantae, plant kingdom, Plantae

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