An old taxonomic classification for seed-bearing plants whose seeds are not enclosed in a protective fruit covering, like conifers and cycads.
From Greek 'gymnos' (naked) and 'sperma' (seed), with Latin '-ae' ending for plant classifications. The term describes how their seeds are 'naked' or exposed, unlike flowering plants.
Pinecones might look fancy, but gymnosperms are the rebels of the plant world—their seeds literally sit exposed on scales with nothing protecting them. Ancient plants that outlasted the dinosaurs!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.