Which one among the following produces seeds but not flowers ?

Plants are broadly categorized into gymnosperms and angiosperms. Gymnosperms, such as Pine (Pinus), are known as 'naked-seeded' plants because their seeds are not enclosed within an ovary or fruit [c1][t4]. Unlike angiosperms, gymnosperms do not produce true flowers; instead, their reproductive structures are aggregated into cones [c1][t2]. In contrast, Cashew nut, Coffee, and Groundnut are all angiosperms. Angiosperms are characterized by the presence of flowers where reproductive parts like stamens and pistils are located [c2]. In these plants, the ovary ripens into a fruit that encloses the seeds [c4]. Pine trees produce seeds on the scales of woody cones rather than through floral mechanisms [t3][t4]. Therefore, among the given options, Pine is the only plant that produces seeds but lacks flowers [t7][t8].

Sources

1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 7. Gymnosperms > p. 157
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.3.2 Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants > p. 120
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.3.2 Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants > p. 121