Question

Which of the following gymnosperms is a bushy trailing shrub ?

• A. Ephedra
• B. Cycas
• C. Pinus
• D. Araucaria

Hint:

Ephedra is a bushy trailing, climbing, or creeping herbaceous gymnosperm. It is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs. It is a medication used to treat colds, hay fever, and asthma.

Therefore, the correct option is (A) Ephedra.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct option is: (A) Ephedra

Explanation: Almost all gymnosperms are perennial woody trees, and only a few are bushy, trailing shrubs. Examples include Ephedra and Gnetum.

Ephedra: Ephedra is a shrub of the genus Gymnosperm. It has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for many years in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.

Cycas: Cycas is a genus of gymnosperms; it is a type of seed plant called a Cycad. Cycads are not bushy, trailing gymnosperms; instead, they have a trunk or stem from which their leaves emerge (consisting of large compound leaves).

Pinus: Pinus belongs to the coniferous group of gymnosperms. They are well-known as pine trees, characterized by tall, straight trunks and needle-like leaves arranged in clusters. Pines are typically recognized for their cone-bearing structures.

Araucaria: Araucaria is a genus of coniferous trees belonging to the family Araucariaceae. These trees typically have a straight, upright trunk with branches radiating outward in a more or less regular pattern.

Therefore, the correct option is A) Ephedra.