gnetophyta

  • By far the most numerous and widespread of the gymnosperm divisions alive today

  • Order Coniferales contains 50 genera with 550 species

  • Family Lebachiaceae and order Cordaitales are extinct

  • Form extensive forests in west North America, Europe, and Asia. Abundant in temperate South America, New Zeland, and Australia

  • Four main morphological groups of leaves: needle, linear to lanceolate, reduced scale-like and close to the stem, and the most common flat and usually ovate leaves

  • Tallest vascular plant is the redwood of coastal California and southestern Oregon

  • Conifers also have great commercial value

  • Sources of timber, pulpwood, turpentine, and pitch

  • Sources of Canada balsam, Venetian turpentine, and edible seeds

  • Christmas tree industry consumes large numbers of pine trees each year, particularly Pinus, Abies, and Pseudotsuga

  • Increasing trend to use exotic varities in landscaping - especially blue varities of Picea, dwarf Pinus, and Cedar

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