HATLI MORH, KATHUA (J&K)

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Gymnosperms are a diverse group of seed-producing plants that are characterized
by their unique reproductive structures and adaptations. Unlike angiosperms
(flowering plants), gymnosperms produce seeds that are not enclosed within fruits
but are typically borne on cones or similar structures. This group includes some of
the oldest and tallest plant species on Earth, such as ancient conifers and towering
redwoods. Gymnosperms exhibit a wide range of forms and sizes. They can be
small shrubs or massive trees, adapted to various environments from cold alpine
regions to dry deserts. Gymnosperms represent an ancient lineage of plants that
evolved over 300 million years ago. They were dominant during the Mesozoic era
and have persisted through geological time, adapting to changing climates and
environments.

MORPHOLOGY OF GYMNOSPERMS
➢ Roots: Gymnosperms typically have a taproot system that anchors the plant
firmly in the soil. The roots absorb water and minerals from the soil.
➢
➢ Stems: The stems of gymnosperms vary widely depending on the species. They
may be woody and often have secondary growth, which allows them to grow tall
and support the plant.
➢
➢ Leaves: Gymnosperms have needle-like or scale-like leaves. These leaves are
often adapted to reduce water loss (xerophytic adaptations) and are covered
with a thick cuticle and sunken stomata.
➢
➢ Reproductive Structures :
o Male Cone (Pollen Cone): These are smaller, usually clustered at the base
of shoots. They produce pollen grains, which are male gametophytes.
o Female Cone (Seed Cone): Larger and usually located higher on the plant.
They contain ovules, which are the female gametophytes.
o
➢ Seeds: Gymnosperms produce seeds that are exposed on the surface of cone
scales. The seeds develop from fertilized ovules.

➢ Life Cycle: Gymnosperms have a dominant sporophyte (diploid) phase in their

life cycle. They undergo pollination, followed by fertilization, where the male
gametes (from pollen) fertilize the female gametes (within ovules).
 CYCADS
Cycads are fascinating plants that belong to the group of gymnosperms, which are
seed plants with a long history dating back to the age of dinosaurs. The cycad
plants, known for their ancient lineage and distinctive appearance, belong to a
group of seed plants characterized by a stout and woody trunk with a crown of
large, hard, and stiff evergreen leaves.
-Kingdom: Plantae 🌱
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular
plants)
- Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
- Division: Cycadophyta 🌿
- Class: Cycadopsida
- Order: Cycadales
- Families: There are several families within
the Cycadales , including:
- Cycadaceae (the sago palms)
- Zamiaceae
- Stangeriaceae

Leaves: Cycads have large, compound leaves that grow in a rosette pattern from the
top of the trunk. These leaves are usually stiff and can be quite long, giving the plant a
distinctive appearance reminiscent of palm trees or ferns.

Stem: The stem of a cycad is typically short and stout, often appearing more like a
trunk. It's usually unbranched, and in some species, it can be underground. The stem
contains a large amount of starch, which has been a source of food in some cultures.

Roots: Cycads have a unique root system that includes specialized roots called
coralloid roots. These roots grow upward, branching out near the soil surface, and
host cyanobacteria that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, providing the plant with
essential nutrients.

Reproduction: Cycads are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or
female. They produce large, cone-like structures for reproduction. Male cones produce
pollen, while female cones produce seeds. The seeds are often large and brightly
colored, which helps in attracting animals for seed dispersal.

Cones: The reproductive structures of cycads are particularly striking. Male cones are
generally cylindrical and produce pollen, while female cones can be quite large and
bear seeds on the outer edges of the scales.
 PINUS
Pines species are adapted to a wide range of climates and can be found in various
environments, from cold mountains to hot, dry plains. The Pinus tree, commonly
known as the pine tree, belongs to a larger group of plants known as the conifers.
Their ability to thrive in diverse conditions has made them one of the most
widespread and ecologically important gymnosperm genera.

- Kingdom: Plantae 🌱
- Division: Pinophyta 🌿
- Class: Pinopsida 🍃
- Order: Pinales 🌾
- Family: Pinaceae 🌳
- Genus: Pinus 🌲

Leaves: Pinus species have two types of leaves: the primary or juvenile leaves, which
are needle-like, and the secondary or adult leaves, which are more commonly known
as needles. These needles are often grouped in fascicles or bundles, which can contain
from 1 to 8 needles, depending on the species. The needles play a crucial role in water
conservation, a characteristic adaptation to dry environments.

Stems: The stems of Pinus trees are woody, providing strong support for the tree. The
bark varies among species but often has a rugged, thick texture that helps protect the
tree from fires and pests.

Roots: Pinus species typically have a deep taproot with lateral roots spreading out.
This root system helps the tree access water from deep underground and provides
stability.

Reproductive Structures: Being gymnosperms, Pinus trees reproduce using cones

rather than flowers. There are two types of cones: male cones and female cones. Male
cones are smaller and produce pollen, while female cones are larger, woody, and bear
the seeds. After pollination, it can take several years for the seeds to mature.

Seeds: The seeds of Pinus are often winged, aiding in their dispersal by wind. This is
a key feature for the propagation and spread of these trees across landscapes.
 GINKGO
The Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the ginkgo or maidenhair tree, is a
fascinating species and the only living representative of the ancient order Ginkgo
ales. It's a living fossil, with fossils recognizably related to modern ginkgo from the
Permian, dating back 270 million years.
- Kingdom: Plantae 🌱
- Clade: Tracheophytes (Vascular
plants)
- Clade: Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- Clade: Gymnosperms 🌲
- Order: Ginkgoales
- Family: Ginkgoaceae
- Genus: Ginkgo

Leaves: Ginkgo's most distinctive feature is its fan-shaped leaves, which are bilobed
(hence the name "biloba"), giving it a unique appearance. The leaves are bright green,
turning a stunning yellow in the fall. They are arranged in clusters on short shoots or
singly on long shoots, allowing for efficient photosynthesis and water management.

Branches: The tree has an irregular growth pattern, with some branches growing
more vigorously than others. This can lead to a somewhat sprawling appearance in
older specimens.

Height: Ginkgo trees can grow very tall, with mature trees typically reaching heights
of 20 to 35 meters (65 to 115 feet), though some specimens can grow even taller.

Reproductive Organs: Ginkgo is dioecious, meaning that individual trees are either
male or female. Male trees produce small, pollen-bearing cones, while female trees do
not produce cones but rather ovules at the ends of stalks, which, after fertilization,
develop into seeds. The seeds are encased in a fleshy outer layer that, when ripe, emits
an unpleasant smell.

Seeds: The seeds of the ginkgo are notable for their culinary and medicinal use,
particularly in East Asia. However, care must be taken as the outer fleshy part of the
seed can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Trunk: The trunk of the ginkgo tree is usually tall and straight, with bark that
becomes deeply furrowed with age.
 EPHERDRA
Ephedra, commonly known as jointfir or ephedra, belongs to the ancient group of
gymnosperms. Ephedras are fascinating because they contain ephedrine, a
compound that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in
China, for treating various ailments such as asthma and allergies. They are mostly
found in arid and semi-arid regions across the world, from deserts to sandy shores.
However, due to its stimulant properties and potential for abuse, the use of
ephedrine has been regulated in many countries.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Spermatophytes
- Division: Gnetophyta
- Class: Gnetopsida
- Order: Ephedrales
- Family: Ephedraceae
- Genus: Ephedra

- Stems: Ephedra plants are characterized by their slender, green, photosynthetic

stems that branch frequently. These stems give the plant a broom-like appearance.
Unlike many plants, ephedra lacks true leaves, which is a key feature in its
morphology.

- Leaves: The leaves of Ephedra are small and scale-like, and they appear at the nodes
in pairs. They are often so reduced that the plant's photosynthesis primarily occurs in
the stems.

- Reproduction: Reproduction in Ephedra is through cones (strobili), rather than

flowers, which is typical of gymnosperms. Male cones are small and produce pollen,
while female cones are slightly larger and produce seeds. The seeds of Ephedra are not
enclosed in an ovary, which is another characteristic feature of gymnosperms.

- Root System: Ephedra plants have a well-developed root system that allows them
to absorb water and nutrients from the soil efficiently. This is particularly important
for survival in arid environments where many Ephedra species are found.

-Seeds: The robust seed coat is usually hard and thick, providing protection to the
seed. The color ranges from dark brown to black, which helps in absorbing more heat
from the sun, a useful trait for germination in cooler climates.