Gymnosperms are sporophyte, evergreen, perennial, seed-producing woody plants which may be monoecious or dioecious.

Examples: Cycas, Pinus

The five general characteristics of gymnosperms are as follows:

1. The dominant plant body s sporophyte, which may be monoecious or dioecious. Gametophytes are inconspicuous and endosporic.

2. The plant body is differentiated into roots, stems, and leaves.

3. Fruit is not formed due to lack of ovary.

4. Vascular bundle is conjoint, collateral, and open.

5. Leaf of gymnosperm does not have lateral vein and instead of it, transfusion tissue is present for lateral translocation.

Pinus are evergreen, coniferous resinous trees growing three to eighty meters tall. It comprises about 90 species that are worldwide in distribution.

Pinus is found in arid places, slope of hills. Pinus is xerophytic plant. In Nepal, two species of Pinus are found.

1. Pinus roxburghii

They are found on the outer ranges and main valleys of the Himalayas. They are most abundant in south facing sunny slope hills of central and eastern Nepal. They are abundant in altitude between 1200m to 2100m...

In gymnosperms, if the sporophyll bears megasporangia, they are called megasporophylls. Megasporophyll leads to the development of female gametophytes of seed.

If the sporophyll bears microsporangia, then it is called microsporophyll. Microsporophyll leads to development of male gametophytes.

The native species of Pinus found in Nepal are Pinus wallichiana and Pinus roxburghii.

The five economic importance of gymnosperms are as follows:

1. Deodar is obtained from Cedrus deodara.

2. Cedar oil is obtained from juniperus virgiana.

3. Turpentine oil is obtained from the resin of pinus species.

4. Sago, a carbohydrate is produced from Cycas which has food value.

5. Many plants are used as ornamental plants eg. Ginkgo, Pinus, and Cycas.