Economic Importance of Gymnosperms: Characteristics, Sources of Food, Industrial Value, Oil, and Timber

Plants are classified into angiosperms and gymnosperms based on the production of flowers. Gymnosperms, or non-flowering plants, are economically significant because they provide food, oil, lumber, medicine, industrial resources, and ornamentation. Gymnosperms are extremely important to humans because they offer habitat and food for wildlife. Gymnosperms' economic relevance ranges from being a source of oil to having therapeutic and decorative value.

What are Gymnosperms?

Gymnosperms are vascular and non-vascular plants of the Kingdom Plantae that generate seeds directly (without flowering). Gymnosperms have much fewer varieties than angiosperms. These nonflowering plants are mostly found in cold areas, boreal woods, and cool forests. They are evergreen plants that may thrive in any environment. Sexual or asexual reproduction is possible in some plants. Plant species of gymnosperms are few in number when compared to angiosperms. This is due to the fact that they generate bare seeds, which are harmed by birds, animals, and other natural factors before being dispersed. 

Characteristics of Gymnosperms

The following are some of the characteristics of gymnosperms-

1. Non-flowering plants are another name for gymnosperm plants.
2. They comprise both medium and tall trees.
3. Gymnosperms are a rare and ancient plant group that produces naked seeds (unprotected fruit seeds).
4. There are currently about 1,000 gymnosperm species on the planet.
5. Plants can be both unisexual and bisexual, implying that gymnosperm seeds are often generated in unisexual cones called strobili.
6. Gymnosperm plants mostly consist of shrubs and woody trees.
7. Sequoia is the tallest tree species among gymnosperm plants.
8. In general, the leaves are simple and complex.
9. Pines, Cycads, Ginkgo Biloba, and conifers are examples of gymnosperm plants.

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Scientific Classification of Gymnosperms

The following table gives the scientific classification of the economic importance of gymnosperms-

Importance of Gymnosperms

The following is the importance of gymnosperms-

1. Gymnosperms are food plants that are used to make a variety of food items. 
2. Cycas, pinus, ginkgo, and other plant species are among them. 
3. A few gymnosperm species are high in starch and are used to make sago, a key staple meal for indigenous or lowland populations. 
4. Gymnosperms' economic importance is reflected in the hair products they make.
5. Gymnosperms of several kinds are utilized in the making of wine.
6. The pharmaceutical sector uses gymnosperms to make various medications and cure ailments and allergies such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, and so on.
7. Fern, for example, is used as a decorative accent.
8. Taxus is a coniferous tree genus well known for producing the anticancer medicine taxol. 

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Economic Importance of Gymnosperms

Gymnosperms are important economically for a variety of reasons, including-

Copal

It is a green gum or candle gum tapped from Agathis Australis. 

Fibers

Stuffing fibers are made from romantic hairs extracted from the leaf bases of Macrozamia. Gnetum gnemon bark produces high-tensile strength fibers that are used to make ropes and fishing nets.

Industrial Source

There are several industrial applications for gymnosperm plants, including the following-

1. Cycas gum is used as an adjuvant, a snake bite treatment, and to treat hazardous lesions.
2. Tannins derived from the bark of Araucaria, Pinus, and Sequoia trees, among others, are used in the leather business.
3. Turpentine is extracted from Abies balsamea and used in organic preparations as a balm.
4. Pinus Succinifera contains fossil resin. 
5. Pinus wood is used for doors, pillars, beams, wagon flooring, and other purposes.
6. Plywood made of podocarpus.
7. Papers such as newsletters, stationery, and prints are made from the wood pulp of Pinus, Picea, Abies, Gnetum, and other species.

Read more about the Economic Importance of Fungi and Megasporangium.

Ornamental Uses

Gymnosperms have decorative value as well and are employed in the business as - 

1. Several Cycas species are frequently grown as garden plants and for ornamental purposes.
2. Ginkgo, the 'virgin' tree, is adored and grown as an attractive plant in Chinese and Japanese temples.

Resins

It is plant exudates released by specialized channels. These are mostly derived from conifers as a result of tapping. They are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and are widely used in varnishes, paints, lacquers, pharmaceuticals, and paper production. 

Rosin

Rosin (colophony) is produced as a byproduct of the distillation of pine oleoresin or turpentine. Pinus roxburghii, P. wallichianus, P. insularis, and P. merkusii are the main sources of Indian turpentine. Rosin and turpentine oil are produced by distilling them. Rosin is used in paper sizing, varnish production, enamel production, and the formulation of plasters and ointments. Superior grades of rosin are used in the production of yellow laundry detergent, grease and oil, sealing wax, oilcloth, plastics, adhesives, insulators, insecticides, disinfectants, shoe polish, furniture, and a variety of other industrial products.

Sources of Food

1. Gymnosperms are commercially significant because they provide an excellent source of food and are commonly used as edible types of staple foods.
2. Plants of this type include ginkgo, pinus, and cycas.
3. Gymnosperms are also key sources of starch and are used to make sago.
4. The leaves of these species are dipped and eaten as green leafy vegetables in several areas of America and nearby places.
5. Wine and other food products are made from a variety of non-flowering plants. 

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Sources of Medicine

1. Gymnosperms are frequently employed in the pharmaceutical sector for a variety of medications, including those used to treat infectious disorders and allergies such as colds, coughs, asthma, and respiratory congestion.
2. Taxus is a coniferous tree that is used to make the medicine taxol.
3. Different types of Cycas plants are used to cure a variety of ailments and to manufacture a variety of hair care products such as shampoo, oil, lotion, and so on.

Sources of Oil

1. Edible oils are derived from the seeds of gymnosperms such as C. revoluta, Macrozamia riedlei, Pinus cembra, and Cephalotaxus drupaceous. 
2. Red cedar oil, produced from Juniperus virginiana's heart skin, is used to clean very tiny items and oil-soaked lenses. 
3. In perfumery, oils derived from Cryptomeria, Cedrus deodara, Cupressus, Japonica, and serum-Peruvians are utilized.

Sources of Timber

1. Gymnosperm plants are economically significant because they provide an excellent source of lumber, which is frequently used in the manufacture of furniture and other construction materials.
2. Because the wood of these species is soft, their endurance is lengthy.
3. Agathis australis is the world's biggest timber-producing gymnosperm tree. 

10 Ecological Importance of Gymnosperms

The following are the ecological importance of gymnosperms: 

Carbon Sequestration

Gymnosperms are main players in carbon sequestration, whereby they lessen the impact of climate change. They absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, sugar, and starch, storing it in their biomass. Evergreen gymnosperms include pines and firs that contribute towards this 24 hours/365 days process for the welfare of the Earth's carbon balance.

Oxygen Production

The oxygen produced by gymnosperms is another vital substance on which most life depended. They produce oxygen through photosynthesis, supporting ecosystems-be it plants or animals.

Habitat and Shelter

Gymnosperms are habitat to numerous species of birds, insects, and mammals. The dense foliage and tall stature of gymnosperms provide adequate cover from predators and prolonged weather conditions, thereby promoting biodiversity in ecosystems.

Soil Stabilization

The extensive root systems of gymnosperms bind the soil and maintain its structure, thus preventing soil erosion. This quality is of utmost importance on the hills and mountains where gymnosperms are the dominant vegetation since their presence reduces the risks of floods and landslides.

Regulation of the Water Cycle

Gymnosperms are extremely important for the water cycle; they absorb and retain excess moisture within their roots and transpire the water into the atmosphere. This process has immense significance in maintaining humidity levels locally and using it to affect rainfall and weather patterns. 

Nutrient Cycling

Fallen needles and cones of gymnosperms decay slowly, contributing organic matter and nutrients to the soil. This gradual release of nutrients nourishes other plant species by supporting them, thus keeping the ecosystem healthy.

Adaptation to Extreme Climates

Gymnosperms are so well adapted to thrive in extreme climates as in cold boreal forests and dry areas. Their life in such extreme climates consequently enables these ecosystems to work and render necessary ecological services.

Windbreaks and Microclimate Creation

Tall gymnosperms like spruces and cedars inhibit wind due to high speeds of strong winds. Their ability to moderate the microclimate (temperature, humidity, and evaporation) allows for growth and survival of organisms that otherwise could not cope with the elements.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Gymnosperms support a multitude of forest ecosystems, providing diverse plant and animal life. Food from seeds and cones, a key component for the sustenance of squirrels, birds, and insects, comes from them.

Pollination and Seed Dispersal

Gymnosperms affect the processes of pollination and seed dispersal in ecology. Wind helps the pollen and seeds to be spread across vast areas, ensuring genetic variability and propagation of forested landscapes. 

Points to Remember

1. Non-flowering plants are another name for gymnosperm plants. 
2. Gymnosperm seeds are edible kinds that are used to make a variety of culinary items.
3. In perfumery, oils derived from Cryptomeria, Cedrus deodara, Cupressus, Japonica, and serum-Peruvians are utilized.
4. Cycas gum is used as an adjuvant, a snake bite treatment, and to treat hazardous lesions.
5. Taxus is a coniferous tree that contains the medicine taxol, which is used to cure cancer.
6. Gymnosperm plants are economically significant because they provide an excellent source of lumber, which is frequently used in the manufacture of furniture and other construction materials.