Coniferous trees include almost all their species, the seeds of which ripen in cones. Contrary to popular belief, evergreen conifers grow not only in our latitudes, but also in tropical countries.
In terms of their area of distribution, they can even compete with the forests of South America. In total, there are about 800 species, many of which still remember dinosaurs. Most modern conifers are trees, but there are many shrub forms.
In the biotopes of the taiga, it is conifers (as the most hardy) that make up the majority of the local flora.
As we have already said, almost all evergreen conifers form cones, although junipers reproduce with berries. They got their name due to the fact that they do not have a seasonal change of deciduous cover: the needles are gradually renewed all year round throughout the entire life cycle of the tree.
It is this circumstance, as well as the fact of the presence of shrub forms, that has made them extremely popular among landscape designers.
It was from coniferous trees that many hedges of palaces and castles were created, which are distinguished by their stunning appearance. In addition, all of their species emit a lot of phytoncides that effectively purify the air. Unfortunately, evergreen conifers cannot be used for greening cities because they cannot tolerate smog.
Along with ferns, it is these plants that belong to the category of the most ancient. Thus, the coal seams are largely composed of petrified wood of coniferous trees.
Now let's take a look at some of their particularly outstanding varieties
Evergreen sequoia can reach a height of 115.2 meters (like a house with 45 floors) and grow for more than one millennium. But all evergreen conifers look like just "weeds" in front of the giant Sequoiadendron. Some of the currently growing specimens of this tree are believed to be over 3,000 years old! But even this is not a record.
Even these accomplishments pale when you look at the Longevity Pines (Pinus longaeva), which are approaching five THOUSAND years old! It is assumed that these are the oldest living organisms on our entire planet.
The thickest coniferous tree is considered Mexican Taxodium, whose diameter is 11.42 meters.
I wonder if there are dwarfs among them? Yes, and what else! So, the southern coniferous evergreen tree dacridium loose-leaved grows in New Zealand. His entire height does not exceed five centimeters.
Conifers are the mostcommon trees in the world. Despite the low species diversity, they play an extremely important role in the ecology of the planet. In addition, they are used for harvesting most of the commercial wood, which is actively used in almost all spheres of human life. Even their resin, being petrified, turns into a jewel: just remember the Amber Room.
Almost any coniferous evergreen tree of the pine family can be fully used by humans: it will be used not only for the production of wood, but also for the production of medicines.
