WHAT’S BENEFICIAL AND

HARMFUL??“Plants & Humans”

MOSSES Division of small, soft plants Insect Repellant Remedies for Rashes Bio-Indicators of air pollution (monitor the health of an

environment or ecosystem) Sphagnums have antiseptic qualities and are very

adsorbent. They have been used for bandages, and were important as such in the US Civil War. Sphagnum is used today in potting soil mixtures, and sometimes by itself as a rooting medium.

FERNS Vascular Plants “Lignified Plants Conduct water /Minerals threw the

plant and Un-Lignified: Photosynthesis” Stem, Leaves, Roots Spores Require Minimum Upkeep Air Quality/ Oxygen Enrichment Medicines (Oil to expel parasitic worms, jaundice, and heals

wounds) The roots, or rhizomes, of many fern species are eaten as a rich

source of carbohydrates. In nature, ferns can offer characteristics that benefit the soil and

environment.

GYMNOSPERMS Seed-Bearing Plants “Naked Seed” (seeds are not enclosed within fruits) Water Conservation Perfumes & Nail Polish Lumber Soap Gum Foods

ANGIOSPERMS Flowering Plants “Flower Plant” (seeds are enclosed within a fruit of some

sort) regular flower is radially symmetrical irregular flower is bilateral symmetry Nice Scents & Photosynthesis Pollination: transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to thestigma of the same flower or of another flower.

HARMFUL PLANTS Giant Pitcher Plant (Most likely to eat a rat) Western Water Hemlock (Most violently toxic plant in

North America) Monkshood (loaded with the poisonous alkaloid aconite) Venus flytrap (Most animal-like) Angel Trumpet (packs a powerful punch of toxins) Mala Mujer (covered with nasty thorns; more painful than

poison)