What is a Conifer?
A conifer is a tree or shrub which produces distinctive cones as part of its sexual reproduction. These woody plants are classified among the gymnosperms, and they have a wide variety of uses, from trapping carbon in the environment to providing resins which can be used in the production of solvents. Conifers can be found growing almost everywhere in the world, from the subarctic regions to the subtropical zones, and the tallest, biggest, and oldest trees in the world are all conifers. Several features beyond the cones set conifers apart from other types of woody plants. A conifer is typically evergreen, although some individuals are deciduous, and almost all conifers have needle or scale-like leaves. Ginkgos are the only conifers which have leaves that differ from this basic design. Many conifers also have a sharp, resinous scent, paired with sap which can be extremely sticky and staining. Over 600 species of trees and shrubs are classified as conifers. Some well known groupings inclu
