Cone-bearing plants, known as conifers (technically, Coniferae, Coniferophyta or Pinophyta), belong to the gymnosperms, so their main characteristic is that, unlike angiosperms, they do not produce flowers.
Conifers are perennial, woody plants, most of which are trees, although some are shrubs. Common examples are the cedars, firs, spruces, larches, redwoods, and yews.
Most conifers are evergreens, which means they don’t shed their leaves in winter. In order to stand up to the rigours of winter conditions their leaves are usually long and thin and have a needle-like appearance, although there are exceptions. As a further defence against winter conditions conifers tend to have very strong apical dominance giving them a narrow, conical appearance which helps to shed snow.
Many conifers produce a strongly-scented resin that is a defence against insects and fungi.
Some conifers grow to be the tallest, thickest and oldest trees on earth.
For a full description of the conifers I suggest you read the comprehensive Wi kiped ia article
