Gymnosperms

The 'Gymnosperms', are the most ancient seed plants that originated during the late 'Palaezoic era', that flourished well during the 'Mesozoic'. The word 'gymnosperm' was used in 300 BC. by Theophrastes, a pupil of Aristotle in his book "Enquiry into Plants". The term Gymnosperm (Gymno = naked; sperm = seeds) means plants whose seeds are naked (or) unprotected by the seed coat. The Gymnosperms are characterised by freely exposed ovules before and after fertilisation.

The plants are 'Sporophyte', to adapt to the various environmental conditions, and widely distributed throughout the world. Gymnosperms includes both living and fossil plants. The modern gymnosperms are commonly grouped under four orders namely 'Cycadales', the 'Ginkgoales', the 'Coniferales' and the 'Gnetales'. Cycadales and the ginkgoales includes living members that have a long fossil history and can be regarded as "living fossils".

Gymnosperms are economically most important; about 80 % of timber comes from conifers and various substances such as turpentine and resins, which are ingredients in varnishes and certain plastics. Because of their attractive appearance, conifers are grown commercially. Amber, the fossilised resin of prehistoric conifers, is often cut and polished to make jewellery.

The living fossil 'Ginkgo biloba', 'Cycas cone', 'Pinus cone' and 'Gnetum' species are exhibited in the Systematic Botany Gallery.