Gymnosperms

Gymnosperms in India are mainly found in the Himalayan regions with a variety of genera spreading over temperate and tropical habitats. Uttar Pradesh lies within the Gangetic plains and the floral diversity is devoid of gymnosperms in its wild habitats. Despite its wild absence in the state, gymnosperms are widely cultivated in public spaces such as gardens, parks, malls, and apartments for landscaping and aesthetics. Few botanical gardens and institutions have also conserved gymnosperms for awareness and educational purposes. The present study identified 73 taxa of gymnosperms under 17 genera of 10 families, the family Zamiaceae having the highest number of species (35) followed by Cycadaceae (28).  The checklist includes wild as well as the plants conserved in different ex-situ conservetories of Uttar Pradesh, such as the living fossil, Ginkgo biloba; Critically Endangered Cycas t...