Editing Conifer (section)

== Etymology ==

''Conifer'' is from Latin, meaning "cone-bearing", from Latin ''conus'' (cone) and ''ferre'' (to bear).<ref>{{cite web |title=conifer (n.) |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/conifer |publisher=Etymology Online |access-date=23 April 2025}}</ref>

The division name Pinophyta conforms to the rules of the ''[[International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants]]'' (ICN), which state (Article 16.1) that the names of higher [[taxon|taxa]] in plants (above the rank of family) are either formed from the name of an included family (usually the most common and/or representative), in this case [[Pinaceae]] (the [[pine]] family), or are descriptive. A descriptive name in widespread use for the conifers (at whatever rank is chosen) is '''Coniferae''' (Art 16 Ex 2).

According to the ICN, it is possible to use a name formed by replacing the termination ''-aceae'' in the name of an included family, in this case preferably [[Pinaceae]], by the appropriate termination, in the case of this division ''-ophyta''. Alternatively, "[[descriptive botanical name]]s" may also be used at any [[rank (botany)|rank]] above family. Both are allowed.

This means that if conifers are considered a division, they may be called Pinophyta or Coniferae. As a class, they may be called Pinopsida or Coniferae. As an order they may be called Pinales, Coniferae, or [[Coniferales]].