The Gymnosperms is a well-illustrated comprehensive account of living and fossil plants of this
group. Chapters 1 and 2 give a general account and describe similarities and dissimilarities
with pteridophytes and angiosperms. Chapter 3 deals with classification. The next 18 chapters
(4-21) deal sequentially with fossil and living taxa. Phylogenetic relationships are considered
for each order. Chapter 22 discusses the in vitro experimental studies on the growth
development and differentiation of vegetative and reproductive organs and tissues. Chapter 23
summarizes the economic importance of gymnosperms. Chapter 24 gives the conciuding remarks.
Thus there is a complete coverage of significant findings concerning morphology anatomy
reproduction development of embryo and seed cytology and -evolutionary trends and phylogeny.
Ultrastructural and histochemical details are given wherever considered necessary. There is a
comprehensive list of literature citations and a plant index. This book is essentially meant
for the postgraduate students in India and abroad. Undergraduate students can also use it
profitably. The entire course should be taught in 25-30 lectures hours and about 75 hours of
field and laboratory work.
