Gnetum gnemon

Gnetum gnemon is a tropical Asian evergreen tree in the gymnosperm family Gnetaceae. Its leaves, flowers, and seeds are used as food, especially in Southeast Asia.

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Melinjo: Melinjo is the Indonesian name for Gnetum gnemon and its edible products. The tree is widely cultivated in Indonesia for seeds and leaves sold as melinjo.
Gnetaceae: Gnetaceae is a family of tropical woody gymnosperms in the order Gnetales. Gnetum gnemon is the family’s familiar cultivated tree.
Gnetum reproduction: Gnetum reproduction is the production of pollen and ovules in separate reproductive structures on gymnosperm plants. The tree’s reproductive structures explain how it forms seeds without flowers or fruits.
Ephedra: Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperms comprising shrubs adapted to dry environments. It is one of the other living genera in Gnetales, alongside Gnetum.
Emping: Emping is a crisp Indonesian snack made by flattening and frying melinjo seeds. It is the best-known processed food made from this tree’s seeds.
Gnetum: Gnetum is a genus of tropical gymnosperms, mostly woody climbers and trees, in the family Gnetaceae. The species belongs to this genus, whose members share broad leaves and distinctive reproductive structures.
Gnetum pollination: Gnetum pollination is the transfer of pollen to ovules, often involving insects attracted to reproductive structures. Its pollination biology is unusual among gymnosperms and can involve insect visitors.
Welwitschia mirabilis: Welwitschia mirabilis is a desert gymnosperm native to the Namib region, with two persistent leaves. It is the third living lineage of Gnetales, contrasting sharply with this tropical tree.
Sayur asem: Sayur asem is an Indonesian sour vegetable soup with regional variations. Melinjo leaves and young fruit are ingredients in some versions of this soup.
Gnetales: Gnetales is an order of gymnosperms comprising Gnetum, Ephedra, and Welwitschia. This order places the tree among three unusual living gymnosperm lineages.