Pine cones and innovation
by Lewis, 19 January, 2018, 3 comments
A pine cone is a reproductive structure, known as a strobilus. There are male and female pine cones. The male pine cones (or microstrobili) are less obvious than the female pine cones; they have a central axis from which project modified leaves - or microsporophylls; these produce pollen. Pine pollen is dispersed on the wind.
A female pine cone has a short stem, which attaches the cone to a branch, this continues through the central part of the cone (the rachis*). Scales arise in a helical manner along the length of the rachis to form the cone, accounting for much of its structuree and its characteristic, external appearance. Each cone scale carries on its surface two ovules, which on fertilisation develop into seeds - these are pine nuts. The scales are also known ovuliferous scales or seed scales. Pine cones take about two years to reach maturity. Read more...
