A ubiquitous feature of the autumn season, the humble pine cone is often found scattered beneath the branches of the conifer tree.

The well-known woody cone (called a “strobilus” in botanical parlance) with overlapping scales that spiral in Fibonacci sequence, is actually the female. Underneath these scales are seeds that are wind-pollinated by the smaller, herbaceous male cones. While still attached to a tree or lying on the forest floor, pine cones open their scales during dry periods to disperse their seeds and close them up again when wet, year after year. It’s an amazing reproductive cycle that has ensured the pine tree – as well as other evergreens – thrive all over the world.

More info: smartyleowl.com

Zinnia Flower Pine Cones

Pine Cone Christmas Trees

Pine Cones bouquet

Pine Cone Arrangement

Pine Cone pendant

Pine Cone pendant

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!