diploid sporophyte
All plants have a characteristic life cycle that includes alternation of generations . Plants alternate between haploid and diploid generations. Alternation of generations allows for both asexual and sexual reproduction. Beginning with the diploid sporophyte , spores form from meiosis. Asexual reproduction with spores produces haploid individuals called gametophytes , which produce haploid gametes by mitosis. Sexual reproduction with gametes and fertilization produces the diploid sporophyte. A typical plants life cycle is diagrammed in Figure below .