''Gnetum macrostachyum'' is a species of vine

gymnosperm The gymnosperms ( lit. revealed seeds) are a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, ''Ginkgo'', and gnetophytes, forming the clade Gymnospermae. The term ''gymnosperm'' comes from the composite word in el, γυμνό� ...

, native to tropical Asia. They are often harvested as a source of fiber.

Description

The Gnetum species is from the vine gymnosperm. Species number about 40 within this family. They feature decussate leaves, vessels in stems similar to

angiosperms Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words ('container, vessel') and ('seed'), and refers to those plants th ...

. They are overall dioecious pollen spreaders. ''G. Macrostachyum'' is an evergreen climbing plant that has twining stems. It is harvested for use as food and a source of fibre. This plant's phylum is

gnetophyta Gnetophyta () is a division of plants (alternatively considered the subclass Gnetidae or order Gnetales), grouped within the gymnosperms (which also includes conifers, cycads, and ginkgos), that consists of some 70 species across the three rel ...

within the class

gnetopsida Gnetophyta () is a division of plants (alternatively considered the subclass Gnetidae or order Gnetales), grouped within the gymnosperms (which also includes conifers, cycads, and ginkgos), that consists of some 70 species across the three rel ...

. This plant is widely distributed, and is protected in various countries and islands. It is mainly located in East Asia in places such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and even New Guinea. It usually grows in environments such as humid tropical rainforests, preferably by rivers on red or black soil, and usually at low elevations.

Uses

They produce red fruits, with seeds edible after roasting. The bark fibers are known for making ropes. ''G. macrostachyum'' is usually only harvested when it is abundant, only because this plant poses no direct threat to any species. Related species ''G. gnemon'' can be used for most/all of the same purposes as ''G. macrostachyum''.

Threats

This species is threatened due to habitat loss.

Montane Montane ecosystems are found on the slopes of mountains. The alpine climate in these regions strongly affects the ecosystem because temperatures fall as elevation increases, causing the ecosystem to stratify. This stratification is a crucial f ...

forests tend to be more intact as a habitat, but in the lower parts of Sumatra and Java the species is endangered. To prevent extermination, many ''G. macrostachyum'' specimens have been planted in protected areas of parks.

References

Gnetaceae Taxa named by Joseph Dalton Hooker {{gymnosperm-stub