The chief conducting elements of xylem in gymnosperms are

The chief water conducting elements of xylem in Gymnosperms are tracheids. These are elongated cells with tapering ends and are dead because of depositionof lignin. These show scalar form, annular, reticulate or bordered pitted thickening. These are the only water conducting xylem elements in both gymnosperms and pteridophytes Generally vessels are absent in gymnosperms with exceptions like Gnetum, Welwitschia, Ephedra.