coniferophytes

Coniferophytes, also known as Coniferophyta or Gymnosperms, represent a group of seed-bearing vascular plants that are distinct from angiosperms (flowering plants). The defining characteristic of coniferophytes is that their seeds are not enclosed within an ovary; instead, they are typically borne on the surface of cone scales or modified leaves. This feature gives them their common name, meaning "naked seed."

This ancient lineage includes several major classes of plants, most notably the Coniferae (conifers), which encompass familiar trees like pines, spruces, firs, and cedars. Other significant groups within coniferophytes are the Cycadales (cycads), Ginkgoales (represented by the single living species Ginkgo biloba), and Gnetales (which includes genera like Ephedra, Gnetum, and Welwitschia). These plants are found globally, inhabiting diverse environments ranging from temperate forests to tropical regions.

Coniferophytes play a crucial role in many ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, and their wood is a valuable resource for construction, paper production, and fuel. Their reproductive structures, often cones, are a key distinguishing feature. While many coniferophytes are evergreen, others, like the Ginkgo, are deciduous. The evolutionary history of coniferophytes is long and significant, predating the widespread diversification of flowering plants.