GENERAL CHARACTERS

• Gymnosperm is the group of Tall trees, the tallest being Sequoia reaching upto 120m in height.
• Gymnosperms are the first seed forming plant group i.e. First Spermatophytes.

HABIT

• Gymnosperms mostly produces tall or medium size trees while a few species are found as woody shrubs.

HABITAT

• Mostly found in temperate areas having high altitudes, some are found in tropical or sub-tropical regions.

LIFE CYCLE

• Shows Diplontic life cycle 

BODY STRUCTURE

• The main body is the diploid Sporophyte which is well differentiated into roots, stem and leaves.
• STEM
  • Woody i.e. Secondary growth is present
  • Branched – Pinus, Cedrus
  • Unbranched – Cycas
• ROOTS
  • Tap roots.
  • Pinus – Symbiotic (Mycorrhizal) association with Fungi
  • Cycas – Coralloid roots – Symbiotic association with BGA (Anabaena cycadae)
• LEAVES
  • Either Simple (Pinus) or Palmately compound (Cycas)
  • Leaves are modified to withstand extreme conditions as
  • Thin, needle like to reduce surface area

REPRODUCTION

• Asexual reproduction and Vegetative propagation are absent in Gymnosperms.
• Sexual reproduction occurs by formation of gametes and spores.