Light micrograph of a male cone of Pinus sp. (ls). The cone (strobilus) is an organ on conifer plants that contains the reproductive structures. In the image, extending out from a central axis, are many fertile scales or microsporophylls (modified leaves), and under each microsporophyll is one or several microsporangia (pollen sacs). In spring or early summer the pollen sacs release pollen; each grain has two air bladders for better wind dispersal. The pine is a resinous and aromatic evergreen conifer tree of the genus Pinus, of the family Pinaceae. It is the most widespread genus of trees in the Northern Hemisphere. Some pine products include: timber, wood pulp, pine resin (rosin and turpentine), charcoal, carbon black (carcinogenic), fuel gases and edible seeds (pine nuts). It has a great importance in bioenergy (as a biomass), forestry and ecology. Field of view size: 6.7 x 10.0 mm (0.26 x 0.40 in)