what is the Importance of of gymnosperms

1.	what is the Importance of of gymnosperms
Answer» Economic Importance of Gymnosperms:1. Ornamental value:A number of gymnosperms are grown as ornamental plants, e.g., Cycas, Araucaria, Thuja etc.2. Food Value:i. ‘Sago’ starch obtained from pith and cortex of stem of C. revolute, C. rumphi etc.ii. ‘Seed starch’ obtained from seeds of Cycas rumphii, Dioon edule etc. It is prepared into flour and cooked before eating.iii. Seeds of Pinus gerardiana (chilgoza) are edible.iv. ‘Kaffir bread’ prepared from the stem pith of Encephalartos.v. Young leaves of Cycas cooked as vegetables.3. Medicinal value:i. Ephedrine (alkaloid) extracted from Ephedra used in treating asthma, cough, cold, bronchitis etc. (a) Construction purposes: Many conifers such as pine, cedar, etc., are sources of the soft wood used in construction and packing.(b) Medicinal uses: An anticancer drug Taxol is obtained from Taxus. Many species of Ephedra produce ephedrine, which can be used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.(c) Food source: The seeds of Pinus gerardiana (known as chilgoza) are edible.(d) Source of resins: Resins are used commercially for manufacturing sealing waxes and water-proof paints. A type of resin known as turpentine is obtained from various species of Pinus.

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