Diversity and Importance of Gymnosperms in Ecology and Medicine.

Gymnosperm

a division of plants with seeds unprotected by an ovary or fruit (naked seeds)

Gymnosperms are a group of seed plants that have naked seeds, meaning that their seeds are not enclosed in a fruit. Instead, they are typically borne in cones or in some cases naked on the surface of stems or leaves. Gymnosperms are an ancient group of plants and are believed to have originated in the late Devonian or early Carboniferous period, approximately 380 million years ago.

There are four main groups of gymnosperms: cycads, ginkgoes, conifers, and gnetophytes. Cycads are palm-like plants that grow in tropical and subtropical regions, while ginkgoes are the sole surviving species of their genus and are native to China. Conifers are the largest and most diverse group of gymnosperms, with over 630 species, and include trees like pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock. Gnetophytes are a small group of shrubs or vines that are found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Gymnosperms play an important ecological role as they are often the dominant vegetation in forested areas and are a major source of timber and paper products. They also provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife and are important for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. In addition, gymnosperms have long been used for their medicinal properties and as a source of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines.

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