Fern ally is a general term covering a somewhat diverse group of vascular plants that are not flowering plants and not true ferns. Like ferns, these plants reproduce by shedding spores to initiate an alternation of generations. There are three or four groups of plants considered to be fern allies. In various classification schemes, these may be grouped as classes or divisions within the plant kingdom. The more traditional classification scheme is as follows (here, the first three classes are the "fern allies"):
Division Spermatophyta (or as several different divisions of seed-bearing plants)
Note that in either scheme, the basic subdivision of the fern allies is preserved, with the exception that the Ophioglossophyta (Ophioglossopsida), once thought to be true ferns, are now generally regarded by many to be a distinct group of fern allies.
Ferns and their allies differ from mosses in that they have a vascular system-tubes that carry water and nutrients from one part of the plant to another.
In contrast, fernallies tend to have small leaves, and their sporecases are single on some leaves or grouped in cones at the top of the plant.
To reproduce, ferns and their allies shed spores, which land on the ground and develop into tiny plant forms, which are all but invisible to us.
There are four main groups of plants considered to be "fernallies." In various classification schemes, these may be grouped as classes or divisions within the plant kingdom.
The ophioglossoids (Ophioglossopsida) were once thought to be ferns, but are now known to be distinct due to genetic studies.
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