GNETOPHYTA- gymnosperm 1. Reproductive structures are located in a flower. The last phylum, Gnetophyta, is a diverse group of plants that produce vessel elements in their wood. Ephedra is an important member of this group, since this desert shrub produces the ephedrine used to treat asthma and other conditions. Conifers are the dominant phylum of gymnosperms, with the most variety of species. The microgametophyte is a three‐nucleate structure, the megagametophyte an eight‐nucleate one. INTRODUCTION TO THE GNETOPHYTA. Coniferophytes. The Coniferophyta division contains conifers, which have the greatest variety of species among gymnosperms.Most conifers are evergreen (retain their leaves throughout the year) and include some of the largest, tallest and oldest trees on the planet. The fourth phylum (the Gnetophyta) are considered the closest group to angiosperms because they produce true xylem tissue. Gnetophyta seeds are said to be "naked" since they lack a particular sort of protective covering characteristic of Anthophyta. Simple microgametophytes and megagametophytes. Double fertilization, which leads to formation of polyploid endosperm tissue. Gnetophyta are therefore said to be "gymnospermous." The gnetophytes are a small group of vascular seed plants composing the phylum Gnetophyta, which is one of four phyla of gymnosperms that have living representatives. Anthocerotophyta is the least diverse phylum of the bryophytes, however its distribution is widespread, with Antarctica being the only continent in which they are not found. Visual Connection Questions. COMPARISON OF STRUCTURES IN GYMNOSPERMS Coniferophyta Cycadophyta Ginkgophyta Gnetophyta LEAVES Needle-like (small, long & narrow) Compound leaves (resembles palms or ferns) Fan-shaped leaves Broad leaves like angiosperms SEEDS Seeds in cones Seeds in cones Seeds are completely exposed Seeds in cones arranged in clusters … Gnetophytes, in the phylum Gnetophyta, are a very small and unusual group of plants. Examples of conifers include pines, sequoias, firs, hemlock, and spruces. Welwitschia produces extremely long leaves and is found in the deserts of southwestern Africa (Figure below). Most species in this phylum typically grow on moist soil in shaded areas, but some are found growing in … Gnetophyta – Evolution • Share features with gymnosperms AND angiosperms – Gymno: seeds not enclosed in ovary – Angio: vessels in wood, somewhat flower-like structures, double fertilization • BUT some primitive angiosperms do not have vessels (e.g., Winteraceae) • Recent data suggest a … Gymnosperms: Cycad Cones. Maxfocus/iStock/Getty Images Plus. Gnetophyta is heterosporous and, in addition, produce highly specialized, complex reproductive and dispersal structures called seeds. Female Plant A female Ginkgo biloba produces seeds that are covered by an outer layer, sometimes referred to … Flowers, the means of reproduction; Ovules surrounded by two integuments. Reproduction. Stamens with two pairs of pollen sacs. 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