Gnetophyta

This is a very interesting group of organisms. They have many features which ressemble those found in the Anthophyta. There are three genera in this group.

Welwitschia

Welwitschia is a monotypic genus (only one species) found in the deserts of southwest Africa in Namibia. This specimen of Welwitschia mirabilis lives at Kew Gardens in England. I spent quite a bit of time tracking it down so I really want ot share this picture with you.

This much healthier and happier specimen actually lives in the Namibian desert. Dr. K. Fletcher (a prof from geology) kindly donated this picture to our website.

This organism produces only two leaves over its entire life, which keep growing and growing and growing. They become tattered and torn over time and so may appear to be more than two. The age of some plants has been estimated to be 2000 years.

Ephedra

The genus Ephedra consists of about thirteen species. They are small trees or shrubs found in the tropics and temperate regions of Asia and the North and South Americas. In North America you can find them in the desert areas of California, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. This plant is overlooking the Grand Canyon.

Gnetum

The third genus of the Gnetophyta is Gnetum (not pictured here). It is a vine-like plant native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America.