Which gymnosperm group contains climbing vines?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Gymnosperm Pine cone and exposed seeds of the pinyon pine (*Pinus edulis*). Pinyon pines are gymnosperms and bear their edible seeds, known as pine nuts, in protective cones instead of fruit.

The gymnosperm group that contains climbing vines is the gnetophytes (division Gnetophyta).1

Within this group, the genus Gnetum is specifically noted as the only gymnosperm genus that includes climbing vines. Most of the approximately 30 species of Gnetum are lianas—woody, climbing vines—that grow in tropical rainforests. Additionally, some species of the genus Ephedra are described as vinelike, often clambering over other vegetation.23