Coniferous
Coniferous
Coniferous (pronunciation: /kəˈnɪfərəs/) is a term used to describe trees that produce cones and have needle or scale-like leaves. The term is derived from the Latin word 'conifer', which means 'cone-bearing'.
Etymology
The term 'coniferous' is derived from the Latin words 'conus' meaning 'cone' and 'ferre' meaning 'to bear'. This refers to the fact that these trees bear cones which contain their seeds.
Description
Coniferous trees are predominantly evergreen, although there are some exceptions such as the Larch tree which is deciduous. They are typically found in cooler temperate and boreal climates, and are well adapted to these environments due to their needle-like leaves and conical shape. The needle-like leaves reduce water loss, while the conical shape helps shed snow.
Types of Coniferous Trees
There are several types of coniferous trees, including:
- Pine: Pines are evergreen coniferous trees that are native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. They produce long, slender needles and large cones.
- Spruce: Spruces are large trees that are native to the temperate and boreal regions of the Earth. They have whorled branches and conical form.
- Fir: Firs are a genus of evergreen coniferous trees. They are found through much of North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Cedar: Cedars are large coniferous trees native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region.
Related Terms
- Deciduous: This term refers to trees that shed their leaves annually.
- Evergreen: This term refers to trees that retain their leaves throughout the year.
- Boreal: This term refers to the northern regions of the Earth, characterized by long winters and short, cool summers.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coniferous
- Wikipedia's article - Coniferous
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