GYMNOSPERMS CONSERVED IN BOTANIC GARDENS IN INDIA

Abstract

Sixty two species under 25 genera and 9 families grown/ conserved in different Botanical 
Gardens of India have been enlisted in this paper. 
Gymnosperms the naked seeded flowering plants once dominated the earth. 
They are of much use to the man kind because in addition to their ornamental value, they 
provide us the very valuable timber, wood-pulp, softwood, resins, edibles, medicines etc. 
Recently the 'Himalayan Yew' (Taxus wallichiana) has turned out as the savior of the 
human race against breast/stomach cancer, Seeds of Pinus gerardiana, known as 
'Chilgoza', are consumed as nutritious dry fruit. Similarily the ripe cooked seeds of Cycas 
edentula (C. rumphii auct. pl.), young leaves and strobilii of Gnetum gnemon and tender 
fleshy shoots of Cycas pectinata are eaten. 'Ephedrine' obtained from Ephedra spp is an 
important medicine for treatment of Asthma. Hey fever and other bronchial troubles. 
Cedar oil is also valuable in treatment of pulmonary/urinary disorders, piles and 
rheumatism.  
Geological history of these plants dates back to the lower carboniferous 
periods. From India, significant contributions have been made by famous scientists like 
Prof. Birbal Sahani, Prof. D.D. Pant and others. But comparatively very little work has 
been done on the living Gymnosperms of India except for Maheshwari & Biswas (1970), 
Maheswhari & Vasil (1961), Maheshwari & Konar (1971), Mehra & Jain (1976), Raizada 
& Sahni (1960), Sahni (1990) and Srivastava (1992).  
The living Gymnosperms belong 5 orders viz. Cycadales, Ginkgoales, 
Taxales, Coniferales and Gnetales. A recent study by the senior author has revealed the 
occurrence of as many as 108 taxa in India. Due to the biotic pressure particularly 
because of the human greed, their natural populations are diminishing day by day. Some 
exotic species Cryptomeria joponica, Pinus patula, Cycas revoluta, Thuja orientalis etc 
while many are still restricted to gardens. 

,