noun
- Plural of gnetum; tropical plants of the genus Gnetum, characterized by jointed stems and flat, leathery leaves, belonging to the division Gnetophyta.
Usage: botanical term; also called joint firs
Examples
- Gnetums are found in tropical rainforests of Africa, Asia, and South America.
- The gnetums represent an ancient lineage of seed plants with unusual characteristics.
- Botanists study gnetums to understand the evolution of gymnosperms.
- Some species of gnetums produce edible seeds that are harvested locally.