The Gymnosperms deals with the morphology, anatomy, embryology, cytology (chromosome numbers), economic importance, taxonomy, inter- and intrafamilial and inter- and intraordinal phylogenic relationships of extant gymnosperms. The economic importance of gymnosperms and in vitro culture studies of vegetative and reproductive tissues are also discussed. Fossil (extinct) gymnosperms have been given due attention. Of the 24 chapters, 9 are on fossil studies and 9 on living gymnosperms. All the chapters are very well documented and well illustrated.

Introduction / Seed Development / Classification / Progymnospermopsida / Gymnospermopsida / Gymnospermopsida — Cycadophytes / Pteridospermales / Cycadeoidales / Cycadales / Gymnospermopsida — Gymnosperms of Uncertain / Caytoniales / Glossopteridales / Pentoxylales / Ginkgoales / Gymnospermopsida — Coniferophytes / Cordaitales / Voltziales / Coniferales / Taxales / Gnetopsida / Ephedrales / Welwitschiales / Gnetales / Phylogenetic Considerations: Ephedra, Welwitschia and Gnetum / In Vitro Experimental Studies / Economic Importance / Concluding Remarks / References / Plant Index

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