Leaves are where photosynthesis takes place and stems support leaves, branches, and contain vascular tissue. There are two types of stems - herbaceous stems which are soft and green, and woody stems which are rigid and brown. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The vascular system of seed plants is made up of xylem, phloem, and cambium. Gymnosperms are vascular plants that produce seeds not protected by fruit, and conifers are gymnosperms that produce male and female cones. Angiosperms are vascular plants that flower and produce fruits containing seeds.