Gymnosperm

Gymnospermsseed-bearing, vascular plants. The term gymnosperm comes fromGreek word gumnospermos meaning literally "naked seed". This termapplied becauseseedsthese plantsnot formedan enclosed ovulary (pistilone or more carpels, developing intofruit as inangiosperms), but naked onscales ofcone-like structure. At one time, gymnosperm wasclass (Class Gymnospermae), first withinseed plants (Division Spermatophyta; 1883~1950), later withinvascular plants (Division Tracheophyta; 1950~1981),essentially encompassingconiferstheir allies (by whichmeant "related speciesplants"including several groupsextinct plants known from fossils). These plants were set off fromother classeshigher plants that recognizedfernsflowering plants. Inmodern classification,gymnosperms instricter sense have been elevated toDivision Pinophyta, withformerly included Gnetales, Ginkgoales,Cycadales (the "allied" groups) now given equal rank as Division Gnetophyta, Division Ginkgophyta,Division Cycadophyta — see Kingdom Plantae.

Examplesgymnosperms include cypress, juniper,— most well known — pine, fir,redwood. Includedthis group aretallest trees, Giant sequoia, andworld's oldest living trees,Bristlecone pines that grow only onNorth American contintent.