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Gnetum
Gnetum
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Gnetum
Gnetum luofuense in China
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Gnetophyta
Order: Gnetales
Mart
Family: Gnetaceae
Blume
Genus: Gnetum
L.
Type species
Gnetum gnemon
Map showing the range of Gnetum
Distribution
Synonyms[1]
  • Gnemon Rumph. ex Kuntze
  • Thoa Aubl.
  • Abutua Lour.
  • Arthostema Neck.

Gnetum is a genus of gymnosperms, the sole genus in the family Gnetaceae within the Gnetophyta. They are tropical evergreen trees, shrubs and lianas. Unlike other gymnosperms, they possess vessel elements in the xylem. Some species have been proposed to have been the first plants to be insect-pollinated as their fossils occur in association with extinct pollinating scorpionflies.[2] Molecular phylogenies based on nuclear and plastid sequences from most of the species indicate hybridization among some of the Southeast Asian species. Fossil-calibrated molecular-clocks suggest that the Gnetum lineages now found in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia are the result of ancient long-distance dispersal across seawater.[3][4]

Their leaves are rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and stilbenes. Of the species studied so far, Gnetum have photosynthetic and transpiration capacities which are considerably lower than those of other seed plants, due to the absence of multiple chloroplast genes essential for photosynthesis, a trait they seem to share with the other living members of Gnetophyta, Ephedra and Welwitschia, as well as conifers.[5] There are over 50 different species of Gnetum.[citation needed]

Species

[edit]
Phylogeny of Gnetum[6]

subsection Araeognemones

subsection Micrognemones

section Gnetum

section Scandentia

subsection Gnemonoides

subsection Stipitati

subsection Sessiles

Phylogeny of Gnetum[7][8]
section

G. buchholzianum Engler

Micrognemones

G. africanum (de Loureiro) Welwitsch

section
subsection

G. costatum Schum.

G. gnemon von Linné

Gnetum
subsection

G. raya Markgraf

G. gnemonoides Brongniart

Gnemonoides
subsection

G. leyboldii Tulasne

G. nodiflorum Brongniart

G. schwackeanum Taubert & Schenck ex Taubert & Markgraf

G. paniculatum Spruce ex Bentham

G. camporum (Markgraf) Stevenson & Zanoni

G. urens (Aublet) Blume

Araeognemones
Gnetum
section

G. microcarpum Blume

G. diminutum Markgraf

G. klossii Merrill ex Markgraf

subsection

G. parvifolium (Warburg) Cheng

G. luofuense Cheng

G. indicum (de Loureiro) Merrill

G. hainanense Cheng ex Fu, Yu & Gilbert

G. montanum Markgraf

Stipitati
subsection

G. macrostachyum Hooker

G. latifolium Blume

G. edule (Willdenow) Blume

G. ula Brongniart

Sessiles
Scandentia

There are around 50 different species of Gnetum. The Catalogue of Life lists 44 species.[9]

Uses

[edit]

Many Gnetum species are edible, with the seeds being roasted, and the foliage used as a leaf vegetable.[10] The plant is harvested and yields a useful fiber.[clarification needed] There is no sense of danger in consuming the fruit or the seeds.[11]

There is also a study done on the plant to see if it has any medicinal properties, finding some anti-coagulation effects due to its stilbenoid content. The family Gnetaceae is well known as a rich source of plant-derived stilbenoids as well as Cyperaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, and Vitaceae.[12]

Conservation

[edit]

Some species of Gnetum are in danger of dying out. The habitats are being removed with the trees being cut down to create industry. The tropical rainforest are being destroyed so many of the species are going extinct such as Gnetum oxycarpum. The rainforests are being torn down and being turned into farmland. Gnetum live in only a small part of the rainforest.

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gnetum L. is a genus of approximately 40 species of dioecious, evergreen gymnosperms, comprising the sole genus in the family Gnetaceae and the order Gnetales; these plants primarily manifest as woody lianas, with rarer shrub or tree forms exhibiting opposite, elliptic leaves with pinnate venation and the distinctive presence of vessel elements in their xylem alongside tracheids. Native to humid tropical rainforests across Indomalaysia, western tropical Africa, Fiji, and northern South America, Gnetum species typically inhabit lowland forest understories, climbing host trees via twining stems or growing freestanding, and rely on insect pollination by moths and flies for reproduction through compound, aromatic cones that yield drupelike seeds with fleshy outer coats. Their morphology includes swollen nodes on cylindrical stems and a resinous exudate, adaptations suited to shaded, moist environments where they contribute to forest canopy diversity. Gnetum holds evolutionary intrigue due to traits convergent with angiosperms, such as vessels facilitating efficient water transport, net-veined leaves, and evidence of double fertilization-like processes, though molecular phylogenies position Gnetales as more closely allied to than to flowering , resolving long-standing debates from morphological analogies. Genomic analyses of species like G. montanum reveal ancestral features, including gene losses in chloroplasts correlating with subdued photosynthetic rates—typically lower than in other gymnosperms or angiosperms, with net rates around 1.3 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ under ambient conditions—reflecting to stable, high-humidity tropics rather than arid or open habitats. Several , notably G. africanum in and G. gnemon in , serve practical roles in indigenous economies, with young leaves harvested as nutrient-rich vegetables akin to and roasted seeds consumed for their starchy content, while bark and extracts find application in traditional remedies for ailments like , though phytochemical studies underscore variable efficacy tied to compounds such as lignans and . Conservation concerns affect a minority, with one endangered and three vulnerable per IUCN assessments, driven by loss in fragmented rainforests.

Taxonomy and phylogeny

Classification

Gnetum constitutes the sole genus in the family Gnetaceae, which is the only family within the order Gnetales and part of the division . This placement reflects both morphological traits, such as compound ovules and opposite leaves, and molecular data supporting its distinction from other lineages. The encompasses approximately 40 , subject to ongoing taxonomic revisions; for instance, Gnetum chinense was formally described as a new lianoid species from in 2020 based on morphological distinctions from congeners like G. montanum. Early classifications faced challenges due to the presence of vessel elements in Gnetum's , a conductive tissue feature long considered diagnostic of angiosperms and absent in most other , prompting suggestions of angiosperm affinity or convergence. Molecular phylogenetic studies, including analyses of nuclear and organellar genes, have since affirmed Gnetum's status, demonstrating that vessel elements and other shared traits with angiosperms arose independently through convergence rather than shared ancestry. This resolution underscores the role of genetic data in clarifying morphological ambiguities in taxonomy.

Phylogenetic position and debates

The phylogenetic position of Gnetum, as part of the order Gnetales, has been central to debates on seed plant evolution, with early hypotheses favoring close ties to angiosperms under the anthophyte model due to shared traits like vessel elements in xylem and compound reproductive structures. This view posited Gnetales as sister to flowering plants, potentially illuminating angiosperm origins, but it relied heavily on morphological and limited molecular data prone to artifacts such as long-branch attraction in chloroplast phylogenies, which artificially pulled fast-evolving Gnetales toward distant angiosperms. Empirical evidence from comprehensive nuclear and chloroplast genome analyses has refuted the anthophyte hypothesis, instead embedding Gnetales firmly within gymnosperms as a derived clade. Phylogenomic studies since 2010, incorporating thousands of loci, consistently recover Gnetales as sister to (the pine family), supporting the "gnepine" topology and rendering paraphyletic. For instance, a 2018 analysis of 125 and 82 nuclear genes across seed plants resolved Gnetales adjacent to with strong bootstrap support (>95%), attributing prior misplacements to chloroplast-specific biases like accelerated substitution rates in Gnetales lineages. More recent consilience approaches, integrating phylogenomics with paleobotanical evidence from fossils, reinforce this placement by aligning molecular divergence estimates with fossil calibrations, while highlighting developmental homologies (e.g., in enclosure) that distinguish Gnetales from angiosperms despite superficial convergences. These findings underscore Gnetales, including Gnetum, as specialized rather than angiosperm precursors, with no credible genomic support persisting for anthophyte affinities after accounting for systematic errors. Within Gnetum, a 2015 phylogeny based on nuclear ribosomal and markers from 58 accessions across 27 species estimated major lineage divergences in the (circa 80–70 million years ago), contrasting earlier estimates and aligning with Gondwanan vicariance patterns. South American clades emerge as basal in this framework, predating radiations and reflecting tectonic fragmentation, with robust node support from . This timeline integrates with broader Gnetales evolution, where Gnetum splits trace to the , emphasizing Gnetum's relictual status amid diversification.

Description

Morphology

Gnetum species are tropical that grow as woody lianas, shrubs, or trees, with some reaching heights of 10 to 20 meters or more in the case of arborescent forms like G. gnemon. Lianas can extend up to 30 meters in length, featuring cylindrical branches with smooth surfaces and enlarged nodes, while exhibiting simple, elongated shoots and decussate branching patterns atypical among most gymnosperms. Leaves are arranged opposite or decussate, broad and leathery, with pinnate-reticulate venation comprising multiple vein orders, a feature convergent with many angiosperms and distinguishing Gnetum from needle-like or scale-like foliage in other gymnosperms. Each leaf typically bears two primary veins connected to axial stem vascular bundles, contributing to their angiosperm-like appearance. The vascular system includes composed of tracheids with bordered pits, vessels up to 300 micrometers in diameter (a rare trait via ), and , alongside with sieve cells and but lacking sieve tubes. Plants are dioecious, with separate male and female individuals bearing these vegetative structures.

Reproduction

Gnetum species are dioecious, with plants producing either male or female compound strobili organized into inflorescences. Male strobili consist of collars of bracts bearing microsporophylls with two microsporangia each, while female strobili feature paired ovules enveloped by integuments and surrounded by bract-like collars. These strobili lack the and fused carpels characteristic of angiosperm flowers, confirming their nature despite superficial resemblances such as vessel elements in . Pollination in Gnetum occurs primarily through anemophily (wind) supplemented by (insects), with both male and female strobili secreting pollination droplets from —fertile in females and sterile in males—to facilitate capture and attract vectors. are drawn by odors and rewards, as observed in species like Gnetum cuspidatum, where nocturnal activity peaks in the evening. grains germinate on the droplet, forming pollen tubes that deliver cells to the ovule micropyle. Fertilization involves a form of unique among , where two sperm cells from a single participate: one fuses with the egg to form a , and the other with another cell to produce a second rather than . This , documented in , yields two potential embryos per but no nutritive tissue, distinguishing it from angiosperm . Developmental genetic studies reveal conserved pathways in formation, with genes like factors expressed in patterns underscoring the absence of angiosperm-specific innovations. Mature seeds are naked, lacking a enclosure, but feature an outer fleshy derived from the or surrounding tissue, which aids in animal-mediated dispersal, particularly by birds attracted to the nutrient-rich covering. This aril contrasts with the exposed seeds of other gymnosperms, enhancing dispersal efficiency in tropical habitats without evolving true fruits.

Distribution and ecology

Geographic range

The genus Gnetum encompasses approximately 40 species exhibiting a pantropical distribution, primarily confined to humid tropical forests in Africa, Southeast Asia, and northern South America, with no native presence in Australia or oceanic interiors. In Africa, only two species occur—G. africanum and G. buchholzianum—predominantly in West and Central regions from Nigeria eastward to the Central African Republic and southward to Angola. The Asian clade, representing the majority of diversity with 28–32 species, centers in Malesia (Southeast Asia), including undescribed taxa, extending from southern China and India through Indonesia and Papuasia. In the Neotropics, around seven species inhabit northern South America and adjacent Central America, exemplified by G. leyboldii in Andean foothills. Phylogenetic analyses calibrated with fossils indicate that these disjunct distributions trace to ancient vicariance events dating to the , with no evidence of recent range expansions or contractions altering the core pattern. gradients align with regional paleoclimate stability in equatorial lowlands, underscoring long-term persistence without significant latitudinal shifts.

Habitat preferences and ecological role

Gnetum species primarily occupy the and canopy layers of humid tropical rainforests, extending from lowland elevations to montane forests up to around 1200–2000 meters above , depending on the . They thrive in environments with high rainfall (750–5000 mm annually) and consistent moisture, often favoring well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils near rivers, riparian zones, or swampy areas in ever-wet tropical climates. As woody lianas or small trees, they exhibit , enabling persistence in dimly lit primary forest peripheries, though their dependence on stable humidity and renders them sensitive to seasonal dry spells or canopy gaps that reduce moisture retention. This niche restriction stems from physiological adaptations to saturated conditions, where competition from faster-growing angiosperms limits expansion into drier or more variable habitats. Ecologically, Gnetum contributes to dynamics through vertebrate-mediated , with birds primarily consuming and distributing the fleshy, drupe-like seeds that mimic angiosperm fruits for attraction. Some appear in secondary forests and farm fallows, suggesting a capacity for early colonization in disturbed sites, though empirical data indicate stronger association with primary shade than true pioneer traits like rapid gap-filling. Mycorrhizal associations, such as with ectomycorrhizal fungi like Scleroderma sinnamariense, may facilitate nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor tropical soils, but symbiotic —often speculated due to endophytic —lacks confirmation in peer-reviewed studies and contrasts with well-documented bacterial symbioses in other gymnosperms or angiosperms. Overall, their roles enhance in intact humid forests by supporting food webs, but low photosynthetic and hydraulic efficiencies relative to co-occurring angiosperms constrain dominance in successional sequences.

Species diversity

Number and distribution of species

The genus Gnetum includes 44 accepted , as recognized by the database maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, . This count reflects ongoing taxonomic refinements, with earlier phylogenetic studies from incorporating data from approximately 27 species to resolve evolutionary relationships. is concentrated in tropical regions, exhibiting a distribution pattern without evidence of recent extinctions. The majority of species, over 20, occur in Southeast Asia and Malesia, where diverse lianescent forms predominate in humid forests. Tropical Africa hosts 6 to 8 species, primarily in West and Central regions such as Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the Americas, around 6 species are found in northern South America and Central America, often as climbers in lowland rainforests. Taxonomic challenges arise from the dioecious nature of most species, complicating identification and delimitation, particularly among morphologically similar climbers. Recent discoveries, such as Gnetum chinense described in 2020 from southwestern China and adjacent Vietnam, highlight continued exploration in understudied areas.

Notable species


Gnetum gnemon stands out as one of the few arborescent species in the , forming a slender tree typically 5-10 meters tall but reaching up to 18 meters, with a conical crown and fern-like leaves. It is extensively cultivated in Southeast Asian home gardens and systems due to its rapid growth, , and cyclone resistance.
Gnetum africanum, a dioecious liana endemic to Central African rainforests, is empirically distinguished by its nutrient-dense leaves, containing 13-18% protein, 28-37% fiber, 38-44% carbohydrates, and high levels of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and across varieties. These leaves provide a critical source of essential and vitamins, supporting local diets in regions where protein scarcity prevails. Indian endemics like Gnetum ula and G. montanum, both woody climbers restricted to the and northeastern hills, remain underutilized despite unique traits such as bark fibers from G. montanum suitable for ropes, nets, and gunny bags, and seeds yielding edible oil. In contrast to more widespread tropical congeners, these species exhibit localized adaptations, including profiles with potential compounds, though empirical data on their distinctiveness is limited compared to African and Southeast Asian counterparts.

Human interactions

Culinary and nutritional uses

Leaves of Gnetum africanum, known locally as eru or okok, are consumed as a vegetable in Central and West African cuisines, often shredded, cooked with meats or fish, and served in soups or stews. These leaves provide a notable protein content of 13-18% on a dry weight basis, alongside fibers (28-37%) and carbohydrates (38-44%), making them a valuable dietary component in regions with limited protein sources. They are also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A and C. Seeds of , referred to as melinjo in , are harvested for culinary purposes in Southeast Asian dishes, where they are roasted, boiled, or processed into crackers called . offer approximately 19 g of protein per 100 g of , along with crude (8.66 g/100 g) and carbohydrates (64.1%). The fleshy surrounding the seeds may also be eaten after cooking. Despite their nutritional benefits, Gnetum species contain anti-nutritional factors including , phytates, , and , which can impair mineral absorption and digestibility if not properly processed. Cooking methods, such as prolonged , significantly reduce these compounds—for instance, oxalate levels in Gnetum leaves decrease with extended cooking times—enhancing without evidence of outcomes superior to standard vegetable . Studies highlight Gnetum as an underutilized crop with potential for expanded cultivation due to its nutritional profile and adaptability, as noted in 2023 ethnobotanical assessments of Indian species emphasizing food applications. However, sustainable yields depend on addressing processing needs to mitigate anti-nutritional effects.

Medicinal and pharmacological properties

Species of the genus Gnetum have been investigated for constituents with potential pharmacological effects, primarily through and preclinical studies. Key compounds include stilbenes such as gnetin C, lignans like pinoresinol and stilbenolignans, and , which contribute to and activities. For instance, stilbenolignans isolated from G. cleistostachyum demonstrate properties by modulating pathways like inhibition. Similarly, pinoresinol from G. montanum exhibits effects in cellular models. Antioxidant capacity has been observed in extracts from and leaves, particularly G. gnemon and G. africanum, attributed to scavenging free radicals in assays like FRAP and . These effects align with traditional uses for conditions involving , such as or , though empirical validation remains limited to settings rather than randomized clinical trials. No large-scale human studies confirm efficacy for these applications, and claims of broad therapeutic potential, including neuroprotective effects against , lack substantiation from . Toxicity concerns arise from cyclopropene fatty acids present in raw seeds and leaves of G. gnemon, which can interfere with and induce physiological stress in animal models, such as growth inhibition in rats. Processed extracts, however, show low acute and subchronic , with no observed levels up to 1000 mg/kg/day in . Overall, while preclinical evidence suggests targeted pharmacological promise, the absence of robust clinical trials precludes endorsement as a reliable medicinal agent, emphasizing the need for further causal mechanistic studies beyond correlative assays.

Other economic and cultural uses

The bark of Gnetum gnemon and G. latifolium provides fibers of high tensile strength, traditionally employed in the manufacture of nets, ropes, and cordage across regions like and . Similarly, fibers extracted from the stem bark of G. montanum, a species native to parts of , , and , are utilized for producing gunny bags, nets, and ropes, supporting local artisanal economies in areas such as . Certain Gnetum species, including G. ula, serve ornamental purposes due to their attractive leafy canopies and robust twining growth, making them suitable for adorning trellises and pergolas in tropical landscapes..pdf) In some African and Indian communities, Gnetum are planted near villages for shade and cultural symbolism, though such ethnobotanical roles are often described qualitatively without supporting yield or economic impact metrics. Despite these applications, Gnetum remains underutilized commercially, as highlighted in 2023 assessments of Indian species, with barriers including the liana-like climbing habit that complicates cultivation and the dioecious reproductive strategy requiring both plants for seed production. Limited domestication efforts reflect these challenges, prioritizing wild harvesting over scalable .

Conservation

Threats and population status

Habitat loss due to commercial logging, , and poses the primary threat to many Gnetum species, particularly in tropical forests of and where these lianas and trees occur. Overharvesting for edible leaves, seeds, and fibers exacerbates declines, especially for species like G. africanum in , where extraction for local and export markets has led to local population reductions without evidence of widespread collapse. IUCN assessments classify G. africanum as Near Threatened, driven mainly by unsustainable harvesting rather than habitat conversion alone, while G. gnemon is rated Least Concern owing to its broad distribution and adaptability across disturbed landscapes. Several other species, such as G. montanum in , face localized threats from deforestation and collection, qualifying as threatened regionally, but genus-wide data deficiencies limit global evaluations, with no assessments indicating imminent extinction risks. As scandent lianas, many Gnetum species demonstrate resilience by recolonizing logged or disturbed areas, potentially mitigating some effects. Local human dependence on Gnetum for and may encourage informal protection or cultivation efforts, though unmanaged exploitation continues to pressure wild stocks in high-use regions.

Conservation efforts and

Community-based initiatives in have promoted sustainable harvesting guidelines for Gnetum species, including selective cutting to avoid uprooting vines and limiting collection to mature leaves, though empirical data indicate that up to 40% of harvests remain unsustainable due to non-compliance and economic pressures on collectors. Training programs by organizations like the Limbe Botanic Garden have disseminated these practices alongside techniques, aiming to balance local livelihoods with wild population preservation through regulated permits. In parallel, vegetative propagation trials using cuttings treated with auxins such as (IBA) have achieved rooting rates of 50-70% for G. africanum and G. buchholzianum under non-mist conditions, enabling ex situ cultivation to reduce reliance on wild stocks. Ex situ cultivation efforts, including landrace characterization of G. africanum in 2023, have identified variants suitable for hybrid development to enhance yield potential, with trials demonstrating viable from pre-treated and root cuttings at rates up to 20-33% within 75-115 days. These approaches prioritize economic incentives, as domesticated Gnetum farms could yield benefits comparable to wild trade volumes—exceeding 3 million USD annually in —while alleviating overharvesting pressures through market-driven production. Propagation research in the has refined methods like stem cuttings in simple media, supporting for in rural areas where wild depletion threatens nutritional access. Top-down regulatory measures, such as harvest bans proposed in , risk disrupting local economies without addressing root causes like poverty-driven extraction, as evidenced by persistent illegal despite policies. Market-oriented conservation, emphasizing verified sustainable yields from cultivated sources, offers greater causal efficacy by aligning incentives with verified successes, potentially sustaining flows without further wild degradation.

References

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