Reproduction of Conifers

Abstract This chapter discusses the reproduction of conifers. For conifers, pollination involves the transfer of pollen grains from a pollen cone to a seed cone, where they will fertilize the ovules (seeds before they are fertilized by pollen). The process is called wind-pollination, and the lightweight grains are easily borne on the gentlest of breezes. After a pollen grain comes into contact with an ovule, it grows a pollen tube that passes through a small hole in the ovule's integument, or outer skin. The tube carries a sperm cell right into the ovule itself, and fertilization is achieved. The remainder of the chapter covers the anatomical difference between seed cones and pollen cones, and asexual plant reproduction via vegetative reproduction.