Question

write down any two economic importance of gymnosperms

Answer 1

. Economic importance of gymnosperms  As food  Seeds of some species are edible: Cycas, Ginko, Pinus, Gnetum  The seeds and stems of cycas yield 'sago' which is a starch and is also called “arrow root”.  Zamia is a rich source of starch.

Answer 2

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.