conifer

noun

(L. conus: cone; ferre: to carry) A cone-bearing tree of the pine family, usually evergreen; any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs including forms (as pines) with true cones and others (as yews) with an arillate fruit. A gymnosperm tree of the widely distributed phylum Coniferophyta (550 species), most abundant in the colder temperate zones, especially in the north; elsewhere they are usually found at high altitudes. Conifers are typically pyramidal in form, with a straight continuously growing stem that can reach great heights (see Sequoia). Nearly all conifers are evergreen (larches are exceptions), with simple needle-like or scalelike leaves. The reproductive organs are typically borne in separate male and female cones, usually on the same tree, and produce winged seeds that are dispersed by wind (the yew and juniper are exceptions). The wood of conifers-called softwood-is economically important, being used for construction and as a source of paper pulp, etc. (see timber). The principal families are the Pinaceae (pines, cedars, spruces, firs, larches, hemlocks, etc.); Cupressaceae (cypresses, junipers, arbor vitae, etc.); Taxodiaceae (sequoias, swamp cypress, etc.); Taxaceae (yews); and Araucariaceae (monkey puzzle, etc.).