This subdivision gave rise to many species in the early mesozoicum, but today about half of its classes are extinct. Many modern species live in ecological niches, where they can escape the concurrent Magnoliophytina . Many species produce odorous balms and resins. Family Cupressaceae 135 species, distributed over all continents. Mostly trees and shrubs with evergreen needle-shaped leaves.
Essential oils are common.
The extra protection offered to the seed has enormous advantages and lead to their concurrent dominance over the gymnosperms. Many species contain essential oils. A small family distributed in East Asia. A small family of about 250 species. A large family, whose 2250 species are dominantly distributed over tropics and subtropics.