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Which plant families contain living conifers?
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Conifer
A giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) estimated to be between 1,900 and 2,400 years old, Grizzly Giant is the oldest tree in the Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park, California.
There are seven extant (living) families of conifers. While classification remains a subject of scientific debate, the following families are currently recognized:1
- Pinaceae: The largest and most widespread conifer family, primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, including pines, spruces, and firs.1
- Araucariaceae: Known for massive seed cones and species such as the dammars and Araucaria.1
- Sciadopityaceae: Represented by the umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata), which is endemic to Japan.1
- Cupressaceae: A diverse family that includes cypresses, redwoods, and junipers.1
- Podocarpaceae: A large family characterized by modified, fleshy scales on their seed cones.1
- Cephalotaxaceae: A small family found in East Asia, often referred to as plum-yews.1
- Taxaceae: Includes yews; these are sometimes placed in their own order due to their unique reproductive structures, which lack typical seed cones.1