Conifer cone – large

Document

Metadata

Title

Conifer cone - large

Description

A large, mature woody conifer cone with broad, overlapping scales arranged in a regular spiral around a central axis. The cone is dark brown in colour and appears fully open, indicating that the seeds have already been released. The thick, robust scales and overall size suggest it originated from a large conifer species. The specimen is well preserved and suitable for study of cone morphology, seed dispersal and conifer identification.

Plant family

Pinaceae

Size

12 inches

General information

Large, mature female cone of the Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri). This species produces some of the heaviest cones of any pine, often weighing over 2 kg. The thick woody scales protect the developing seeds until the cone dries and opens naturally, releasing winged seeds for wind dispersal. Native to California and northern Mexico, the species is well known for its exceptionally large cones and formidable scale tips.

Attachments