Gymnospermae
Sign in to saveThe gymnosperms ( ; from Ancient Greek γυμνός, gumnós 'naked' and σπέρμα, spérma 'seed', thus 'naked seed') are a group of woody, perennial seed-producing plants, typically lacking the protective outer covering which surrounds the seeds in flowering plants, that include conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes, forming the clade Gymnospermae. The name is based on the unenclosed condition of their seeds (called ovules in their unfertilized state). The non-encased condition of their seeds contrasts with the seeds and ovules of flowering plants (angiosperms), which are enclosed within an ovary.
AI overview
Gymnosperms are a group of woody plants—including conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes—that produce seeds without a protective outer covering, unlike flowering plants. They matter because they represent a major branch of seed-producing plants that have thrived for millions of years and include many ecologically and economically important species like pine and spruce trees.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Anthophyta
- Image
- Araucaria araucana ArboretumMT 2.jpg
Show 5 more facts
- P105
- superclass
- P1889
- conifer
- P1552
- anemophily
via Wikidata · CC0
Article
9 sectionsContents
- Diversity and origin
- Classification
- Extinct groupings
- Life cycle
- Genetics
- Uses
- References
- General bibliography
- External links
The gymnosperms ( ; from Ancient Greek γυμνός, gumnós 'naked' and σπέρμα, spérma 'seed', thus 'naked seed') are a group of woody, perennial seed-producing plants, typically lacking the protective outer covering which surrounds the seeds in flowering plants, that include conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes, forming the clade Gymnospermae. The name is based on the unenclosed condition of their seeds (called ovules in their unfertilized state). The non-encased condition of their seeds contrasts with the seeds and ovules of flowering plants (angiosperms), which are enclosed within an ovary. Gymnosperm seeds develop either on the surface of scales or leaves, which are often modified to form cones, or on their own as in yew, Torreya, and Ginkgo.
The life cycle of a gymnosperm involves alternation of generations, with a dominant diploid sporophyte phase, and a reduced haploid gametophyte phase, which is dependent on the sporophytic phase. The term "gymnosperm" is often used in paleobotany to refer to (the paraphyletic group of) all non-angiosperm seed plants. In that case, to specify the modern monophyletic group of gymnosperms, the term Acrogymnospermae is sometimes used.