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Jointfir family
Gnetaceae
ใฐใใใ ็ง
Gymnosperms distributed in tropical regions, either as climbing or woody plants. Their vessel elements, opposite leaves, and perianth-like structures resemble those of angiosperms, leading to prolonged debate about their relationship to flowering plants. In Southeast Asia, the seeds of some species are edible.
Key Characteristics
- โBroad opposite leaves with reticulate venation resembling angiosperm leaves
- โVessel elements present in the xylem (rare among other gymnosperms)
- โFlowers with perianth-like bracts, convergent with angiosperm flowers
- โDioecious
Morphological Traits
A family may include species with different trait values โ multiple values indicate the range within the family.
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf shape
Ovate
Growth form
Tree / Vine
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Stipules
Absent
Petal fusion
No petals
Ovary position
Superior
Plant sex
Dioecious
Phylogenetic Position
Gymnosperms > Gnetales > Gnetales > Gnetaceae
Divergence Era
Mesozoic Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma onwards)
Representative Genera
Related Evolution Events
- ใปConvergent evolution of angiosperm-like traits (vessels, opposite leaves, perianth)
- ใปAdaptation to tropical forest environments and acquisition of a climbing habit
Plants in Jointfir family on this site
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