Description
Pines, spruces and firs are gymnosperms. Gymnosperms do not produce true flowers or true fruits although their reproductive structures are often loosely referred to as such. They are monoecious; producing male pollen cones and separate female seed cones all on the same plant. This image shows the male pollen cones. They are usually clustered at the base of the new shoot and turn yellow with pollen. The wind disperses the pollen and the pollen cones then turn brown, dry up and eventually fall off the stem.
Preview
Image Source
Karren Wcisel, TreeTopics.com
Image Creation Date
4-28-2010
Keywords
Pinaceae, tree, conifer, cone, needle, evergreen, Pinus, pine, Picea, spruce, Abies, fir