The gymnosperms, which include cycads, ginkgos, and conifers (pines, spruces, firs, cypresses, and larches) are an ancient lineage of plants, dating back at least 300 million years - today they can be found on all continents except Antarctica. The majority are evergreen and include some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees on earth. They are one of the world’s most important resources for timber but also yield non-forest products such as resin and its derivatives, edible seeds and medicines. Globally there are about 615 species of conifers, but sadly 211 (34%) are threatened with extinction.

The Gymnosperm collections have been greatly expanded in recent years, with nearly half being added in the last 30.

The collection has several geographic strengths with collections from the Arabian Peninsula, Europe, New Caledonia (particularly Araucariaceae), temperate South America, Indo-China and the Sino-Himalaya.

Major historical collections include those made by George Forrest, Ernest Wilson, T.T Yu, Wen-pei Fang and Edouard-Ernest Maire.