Why do Gnetum leaves resemble the leaves of flowering plants?

The leaves of Gnetum species resemble those of flowering plants (angiosperms) in their form, structure, and venation. Specifically, these leaves are broad and exhibit a pinnate venation system, characterized by a single midvein with lateral secondary veins extending toward the leaf margin, complemented by a meshwork of smaller veins.1

While these morphological similarities are striking, it is important to clarify that they do not indicate that flowering plants evolved directly from a gnetophyte ancestor. Modern molecular research comparing DNA gene sequences has established that gnetophytes and angiosperms are distinct lineages. Although Gnetum shares certain features with angiosperms—such as the presence of vessels in the xylem and broad, net-veined leaves—these are considered convergent characteristics rather than evidence of direct ancestry.234