The xylem tracheary elements comprises cells called tracheids and vessel members, both of which are usually hollow, normal, and elongated. The tracheids are less unique in comparison to the vessel members and are the only kind of water-conducting cells in the majority of gymnosperms and seedless vascular plants.
The vessel elements found n angiosperms are better and wider at conducting water in comparison to the tracheids of gymnosperms. Unlike xylem, the cells, which forms the phloem are living at maturity and can conduct substances both up and down the body of plant.