kõrgendasime

Kõrgendasime (plural: kõrgendasmad) refers to a group of non-flowering, seed-producing plants that are primarily found in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These plants belong to the division *Gymnospermae* (or Gymnosperms), which literally means "naked seed" in Greek, as their seeds are not enclosed within an ovary or fruit. Unlike angiosperms (flowering plants), gymnosperms do not produce flowers or fruits, but instead bear their seeds on the surface of cone scales or similar structures.

The most well-known examples of kõrgendasmad include conifers such as pines, spruces, firs, and cedars, as well as cycads, ginkgo, and gnetophytes. Conifers are particularly dominant in boreal forests, where species like the Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) and Scots pine (*Pinus sylvestris*) play a crucial ecological role. These trees are adapted to cold climates, often possessing needle-like or scale-like leaves that reduce water loss and thick, waxy cuticles for protection against harsh conditions.

Kõrgendasmad have played a significant role in Earth’s history, dominating the landscape during the Mesozoic Era (the age of dinosaurs) before being largely replaced by angiosperms. However, they remain ecologically important today, contributing to soil formation, providing habitat for wildlife, and serving as a vital carbon sink in forest ecosystems. Economically, gymnosperms are valued for timber, resin (such as pine tar and turpentine), and ornamental uses, with many species cultivated in landscaping and forestry.

Reproduction in kõrgendasmad typically involves wind-pollinated cones, where male cones produce pollen and female cones develop into seed-bearing structures. Some species, like ginkgo (*Ginkgo biloba*), exhibit unique reproductive traits, such as smelling unpleasant when female trees bear seeds. Due to their slow growth and long lifespans, many gymnosperms are also culturally significant, often associated with longevity, resilience, and spiritual symbolism in various traditions.