GEOGRAPHY

Bio - Flora

Most Diverse Species

This list features the most diverse plants on Planet Earth based on the number of different species in existence.

RANK	PLANT	NUMBER OF SPECIES	DESCRIPTION
1	Angiosperms (Flowering Plants)	300,000	The largest group of plants, angiosperms include a vast diversity of flowering plants, found in nearly every habitat on Earth.
2	Algae	100,000	Algae encompass a broad range of photosynthetic organisms, from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweeds, and are essential to aquatic ecosystems.
3	Fungi (Mycota)	100,000	Though not plants, fungi are essential to ecosystems, with a vast number of species contributing to decomposition and nutrient cycling.
4	Orchids (Orchidaceae)	25,000	Orchids represent one of the largest families of flowering plants, known for their intricate flowers and adaptability to various environments.
5	Lichens	20,000	Lichens are symbiotic organisms made up of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, highly adaptable and found in diverse habitats, including extreme environments.
6	Legumes (Fabaceae)	19,000	Leguminous plants are vital for nitrogen fixation in soils, and include important crops like beans and peas.
7	Mosses (Bryophyta)	15,000	Mosses are small, non-vascular plants that typically grow in moist environments, contributing significantly to biodiversity in various ecosystems.
8	Grasses (Poaceae)	12,000	Grasses are a critical plant group found in ecosystems ranging from savannas to wetlands, forming the basis of many terrestrial food webs.
9	Mosses (Bryophyta)	12,000	Non-vascular plants that thrive in moist environments, mosses play a crucial role in ecosystems as soil builders.
10	Ferns (Pteridophyta)	10,000	Ferns are non-flowering vascular plants that thrive in diverse environments, including tropical rainforests and temperate zones.
11	Succulents	10,000	Succulents, including cacti, are adapted to arid environments, known for their water-storing capabilities and diverse forms.
12	Mushrooms (Fungi)	10,000	While not plants, fungi play a vital role in ecosystems and have a vast diversity of species, including many types of mushrooms.
13	Seaweeds (Macroalgae)	10,000	Seaweeds are large algae that grow in marine environments, contributing to coastal ecosystems and providing habitat for marine life.

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References

Alexopoulos, C.J. & Mims, C.W., 1979. Introductory mycology. New York: Wiley, pp.75–90. Available at: https://www.wiley.com/introductory-mycology [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Bold, H.C. & Wynne, M.J., 1985. Introduction to the algae: Structure and reproduction. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall, pp.90–95. Available at: https://www.pearson.com/introduction-to-the-algae [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Dressler, R.L., 1993. Phylogeny and classification of the orchid family. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.50–60. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/phylogeny-orchid-family [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Graham, L.E. & Wilcox, L.W., 2000. Algae. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, pp.90–100. Available at: https://www.pearson.com/algae [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Judd, W.S., et al., 2008. Plant systematics: A phylogenetic approach. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, pp.200–205. Available at: https://www.sinauer.com/plant-systematics [Accessed 2025]. Kellogg, E.A., 2015. Flowering plants. Monocots: Poaceae. Cham: Springer, pp.100–105. Available at: https://www.springer.com/flowering-plants-monocots-poaceae [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Nash, T.H., 1996. Lichen biology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.115–120. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/lichen-biology [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Shaw, J. & Goffinet, B., 2000. Bryophyte biology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.65–75. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/bryophyte-biology [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Smith, G.M., 1955. Cryptogamic botany: Volume II, bryophytes and pteridophytes. New York: McGraw-Hill, pp.120–130. Available at: https://www.mheducation.com/cryptogamic-botany-vol2 [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Sprent, J.I., 2001. Nodulation in legumes. Richmond: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, pp.45–50. Available at: https://www.kew.org/nodulation-in-legumes [Accessed 1 December 2025]. Tryon, R.M. & Tryon, A.F., 1982. Ferns and allied plants: With special reference to tropical America. New York: Springer, pp.80–90. Available at: https://www.springer.com/ferns-allied-plants [Accessed 1 December 2025].

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Most Diverse Species

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