Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms, are a type of vascular plant that produces flowers in order to reproduce. They are the largest grouping within the plant kingdom in terms of the number of described species, with an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 species. Here are some key characteristics of flowering plants:

• Flowers: These are the reproductive structures of flowering plants, consisting of sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils. Flowers attract pollinators, which help to transfer pollen from the male to the female reproductive structures, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds/09%3A_Plants/9.10%3A_Flowering_Plants).

• Fruits: After fertilization, the ovary of the flower develops into a fruit, which contains the seeds of the plant. Fruits can be dry or fleshy and are often brightly colored to attract animals that will disperse the seeds/09%3A_Plants/9.10%3A_Flowering_Plants).

• Adaptations: Flowering plants have evolved a number of adaptations that have contributed to their success, including efficient vascular tissues and the ability to produce fruits/09%3A_Plants/9.10%3A_Flowering_Plants).

• Taxonomy: Flowering plants are classified into about 450 families, with the APG system seeking to determine the number of families mostly by molecular phylogenetics.

Flowering plants range in size from small, soft herbaceous plants to large perennial woody trees that may live for many centuries and grow to many meters in height. They are also commonly grown for decorative purposes, with certain flowers playing a significant role in many cultures.