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Gnetum

Article Discussion

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Gnetum is a genus of gymnosperms, the sole genus in the family Gnetaceae within the Gnetophyta. They are tropical evergreen trees, shrubs and lianas. Unlike other gymnosperms, they possess vessel elements in the xylem. Some species have been proposed to have been the first plants to be insect-pollinated as their fossils occur in association with extinct pollinating scorpionflies.<ref name="Ren-2009">Template:Cite journal</ref> Molecular phylogenies based on nuclear and plastid sequences from most of the species indicate hybridization among some of the Southeast Asian species. Fossil-calibrated molecular-clocks suggest that the Gnetum lineages now found in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia are the result of ancient long-distance dispersal across seawater.<ref name="Won-2005">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Won-2006">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Their leaves are rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and stilbenes. Of the species studied so far, Gnetum have photosynthetic and transpiration capacities which are considerably lower than those of other seed plants, due to the absence of multiple chloroplast genes essential for photosynthesis, a trait they seem to share with the other living members of Gnetophyta, Ephedra and Welwitschia, as well as conifers.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> There are over 50 different species of Gnetum.Template:Citation needed

SpeciesEdit

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There are around 50 different species of Gnetum. The Catalogue of Life lists 44 species.Template:R

UsesEdit

Many Gnetum species are edible, with the seeds being roasted, and the foliage used as a leaf vegetable.<ref>Hoe, V.B. and Siong, K.H., "The Nutritional Value of Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables in Sarawak,"Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 8, no. 1, 1998, pp 24-31</ref> The plant is harvested and yields a useful fiber.Template:Clarify There is no sense of danger in consuming the fruit or the seeds.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

There is also a study done on the plant to see if it has any medicinal properties, finding some anti-coagulation effects due to its stilbenoid content. The family Gnetaceae is well known as a rich source of plant-derived stilbenoids as well as Cyperaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, and Vitaceae.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

ConservationEdit

Some species of Gnetum are in danger of dying out. The habitats are being removed with the trees being cut down to create industry. The tropical rainforest are being destroyed so many of the species are going extinct such as Gnetum oxycarpum. The rainforests are being torn down and being turned into farmland. Gnetum live in only a small part of the rainforest.

GalleryEdit

  • 倪藤果 Gnetum gnemon -檳城熱帶果園 Tropical Fruit Farm, Penang- (9222653200).jpg

    Gnetum gnemon carpellate/female cones

  • Gnetum latifolium - കറുത്ത ഓടൽ.jpg

    Gnetum latifolium staminate/male cones

  • Gnetum africanum Leaves (Eru, Okok).jpg

    Gathered leaves of Gnetum africanum

  • Gnetum gnemon seeds, by Omar Hoftun.jpg

    Gnetum gnemon seeds

ReferencesEdit

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External linksEdit

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