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Ephedraceae
Ephedraceae is a family of gymnosperms belonging to Gnetophyta, it contains only a single extant genus, ''Ephedra (plant), Ephedra'', as well as a number of extinct genera from the Early Cretaceous. Taxonomy File:Eamesia chinensis.png, ''Eamesia,'' showing male cone (B) File:Chengia laxispicatagen.webp, ''Chengia'', showing female reproductive spike (B) File:Jianchangia verticillata.webp, ''Jianchangia'', showing chlamydosperms (C) and ovulate cone (F) File:Arlenea diagram.jpg, Diagram of ''Arlenea,'' showing closeup of terminal region with female reproductive structures (B) and cross section of a female reproductive structure.(C) Ephedraceae is agreed to be the most Basal (phylogenetics), basal group amongst extant gnetophytes. Members of the family typically grow as shrubs and have small, linear leaves that possess parallel veins. The fossil Ephedraceae genera show a range of morphologies transitional between the ancestral Glossary of botanical terms#lax, lax male and female ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ephedra (plant)
''Ephedra'' is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs. there were 77 recognized species. The various species of ''Ephedra'' are widespread in many arid regions of the world, ranging across southwestern North America, southern Europe, northern Africa, southwest and central Asia, northern China, and western South America. It is the only extant genus in its family, Ephedraceae, and order, Ephedrales, and one of the three living members of the division Gnetophyta alongside ''Gnetum'' and ''Welwitschia.'' In temperate climates, most ''Ephedra'' species grow on shores or in sandy soils with direct sun exposure. Common names in English include joint-pine, jointfir, Mormon-tea, or Brigham tea. The Chinese name for ''Ephedra'' species is ''mahuang'' (). ''Ephedra'' is the origin of the name of the stimulant ephedrine, which the plants contain in significant concentration. Description The family Ephedraceae, of which ''Ephedra'' is the only extant genus, are gymnosperms, and generally shrubs, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gnetophyta
Gnetophyta () is a division of plants (alternatively considered the subclass Gnetidae or order Gnetales), grouped within the gymnosperms (which also includes conifers, cycads, and ginkgos), that consists of some 70 species across the three relict genera: '' Gnetum'' (family Gnetaceae), '' Welwitschia'' (family Welwitschiaceae), and '' Ephedra'' (family Ephedraceae). The earliest unambiguous records of the group date to the Jurassic, and they achieved their highest diversity during the Early Cretaceous. The primary difference between gnetophytes and other gymnosperms is the presence of vessel elements, a system of small tubes (xylem) that transport water within the plant, similar to those found in flowering plants. Because of this, gnetophytes were once thought to be the closest gymnosperm relatives to flowering plants, but more recent molecular studies have brought this hypothesis into question, with many recent phylogenies finding them to be nested within the conifers. Though it ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gymnosperm
The gymnosperms ( ; ) are a group of woody, perennial Seed plant, seed-producing plants, typically lacking the protective outer covering which surrounds the seeds in flowering plants, that include Pinophyta, conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophyta, gnetophytes, forming the clade Gymnospermae. The term ''gymnosperm'' comes from the composite word in ( and ), and literally means 'naked seeds'. The name is based on the unenclosed condition of their seeds (called ovules in their unfertilized state). The non-encased condition of their seeds contrasts with the seeds and ovules of flowering plants (angiosperms), which are enclosed within an Ovary (botany), ovary. Gymnosperm seeds develop either on the surface of scales or Leaf, leaves, which are often modified to form Conifer cone, cones, or on their own as in Taxus, yew, ''Torreya'', and ''Ginkgo''. The life cycle of a gymnosperm involves alternation of generations, with a dominant diploid sporophyte phase, and a reduced haploid gam ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ephedra Nevadensis
''Ephedra nevadensis'', commonly known as Nevada ephedra, gray ephedra, Mormon tea and Nevada jointfir, is a species of gymnosperm native to dry areas of western North America. Its range extends west to California, east to Colorado, north to Oregon, and south to Baja California, including areas of the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau and desert Southwest. It is found in rocky and sandy soils, generally in areas without trees. It can be found in a variety of environments but predominately grows in desert climates. It serves as a non toxic grazing source to both wild and domestic live stock. It posses a various amount of medicinal properties that can be used in a domestic setting. Historically, it is known for its usage in Mormon communities as tea. A common misconception is that ''Ephedra nevadensis'' contains ephedrine, a known stimulant however this is not true. Ecology ''Ephedra nevadensis'' can grow across a vast variety of biomes including but not limited to shrub lands, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Chaoyangia (plant)
''Chaoyangia'' is an extinct genus of euornithean birds, containing the single species ''Chaoyangia beishanensis''. This species is known from a single fossil specimen consisting of a partial skeleton including vertebra, ribs, hips, and upper legs. The specimen (museum catalog number IVPP V9934) was discovered in the Jiufotang Formation near the city of Chaoyang in Liaoning province, China. This rock formation has been dated to the Aptian age of the Early Cretaceous period, 120 million years ago. Description ''C. beishanensis'', known only from a single partial skeleton, is relatively poorly known compared to other primitive euornitheans. ''Chaoyangia'' were small, basal euornithean birds characterized by more than eight fused sacral vertebrae (those connected to the hips), uniquely long, slender, and angled uncinate processes on the ribs, and a distinct 'neck' in the upper leg bone (femur). Overall, the known skeleton is very similar to another primitive Chinese euornithean bir ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
