| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order Type: Gymnosperm
Order: Coniferales (Pinales)
Family: Taxaceae
Family Common Name: Yew Family
Genera: Taxus |
Defining Features: Seeds are
covered by a fleshy green or red aril.
Defining Morphology: Dioecoius
trees and shrubs with alternately arranged leaves. Microsporophylls bear
two to eight microsporangia. This family is exceptional in that the complex
ovulate cone that is almost definitive of the conifers does not occur even
as a reduced remnant. Ovules are borne terminally on an ovuliferous branch.
Ovules are partly or completely covered by a fleshy aril.
Distribution: Mostly in the
northern hemisphere
Economic Use: Trees and shrubs
being used as cultivated garden ornamentals.
Number of Genera Globally:
5
Number of Species Globally: 16
