Q.Fern is a vascular plant. Yet it is not considered a Phanerogam. Why?

Phanerogamae and Cryptogamae are separated by the seed criterion, not by the presence of vascular tissue.

Step 1. Fern's vascular status. As a Pteridophyte, a fern is indeed vascular — it has true xylem (tracheids) and phloem (sieve cells), and true root, stem and leaves, which is why Pteridophytes are called the first vascular land plants.

Step 2. Fern's reproductive status. Despite this advanced vascular anatomy, ferns still reproduce by spores produced in concealed sporangia, and complete their life cycle through an independent, water-dependent gametophyte stage. They never produce true seeds or flowers. …

Separate the two classification criteria at play — presence of vascular tissue, and seed vs spore reproductio …

• Assuming 'vascular' and 'Phanerogam' are the same category — Pteridophyta is proof they are not. …