Botanical Terms Glossary

What are Gymnosperms? Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that do not produce flowers. Instead, they produce seeds that are exposed on the surface of specialized structures called cones or strobili. The name “gymnosperm” comes from the Greek words “gymnos,” meaning naked, and “sperma,” meaning seed. There are around 1,000 species of gymnosperms, which … Read more

What is Serotiny? Serotiny is a biological phenomenon commonly observed in plants, particularly in species found in fire-prone ecosystems. It refers to the adaptation where seeds are enclosed within a protective structure, such as a cone or fruit, and remain dormant until triggered by an environmental cue, typically fire or heat. This delayed release of … Read more