megastrobilus
Quick Summary
A megastrobilus is the female reproductive structure in gymnosperms, such as conifers, that bears ovules, which develop into seeds. It is essentially a cone that contains the megasporangia, where female gametophytes are produced. The structure and complexity of megastrobili vary significantly among different conifer species, forming the basis for their classification. In some conifers, like pines, the megastrobilus is a compound structure where ovules are borne on scales, which are themselves attached to bracts. In contrast, some conifers, like yews, have greatly reduced megastrobili where solitary seeds are surrounded by a fleshy aril.12
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gymnospermGeneral featuresFemale ovulate cones, called megastrobili, may be borne on the same plant that bears microstrobili (as in conifers) or on separate plants (as in cycads and Ginkgo). A megastrobilus contains many scales, called megasporophylls, that contain megasporangia. Within each megasporangium, a single cell undergoes meiotic division to produce four…
Read MoreFemale ovulate cones, called megastrobili, may be borne on the same plant that bears microstrobili (as in conifers) or on separate plants (as in cycads and Ginkgo). A megastrobilus contains many scales, called megasporophylls, that contain megasporangia. Within each megasporangium, a single cell undergoes meiotic division to produce four…
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The ovulate cone, the megastrobilus, is more complex than the microstrobilus. The megastrobilus bears seeds on flattened dwarf branches, all parts of which are fused (ovuliferous scales). Subtending the ovuliferous scale on the cone axis is a reduced scale leaf, or bract. In some conifers the bract is unrecognizable…
Read MoreThe ovulate cone, the megastrobilus, is more complex than the microstrobilus. The megastrobilus bears seeds on flattened dwarf branches, all parts of which are fused (ovuliferous scales). Subtending the ovuliferous scale on the cone axis is a reduced scale leaf, or bract. In some conifers the bract is unrecognizable…
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plantGymnosperms…than the female cone (megastrobilus) and is essentially an aggregation of many small structures (microsporophylls) that encase the pollen in microsporangia.
Read More…than the female cone (megastrobilus) and is essentially an aggregation of many small structures (microsporophylls) that encase the pollen in microsporangia.
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