Cryptogam

A cryptogam (scientific name Cryptogamae) is a plant, in the broad sense of the word, or a plant-like organism that share similar characteristics, such as being multicellular, photosynthetic, and primarily immobile, that reproduces via spores rather than through flowers or seeds.

This broader definition can include algae, fungi, and certain bacteria (like cyanobacteria), even though they may belong to different biological kingdoms.

He divided Cryptogamia into four orders: Algae, Musci (bryophytes), Filices (ferns), and fungi,[2] but it had also traditionally included slime molds, and Cyanophyta.

However, the names of all cryptogams are regulated by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.

An apocryphal story: it is said that during World War II, the British Government Code and Cypher School recruited Geoffrey Tandy, a marine biologist expert in cryptogams, to Station X, Bletchley Park, when someone confused these with cryptograms.