Light micrograph of a female cone of Pinus sp. (ls). The image shows the female cone (megastrobilus or seed cone), which has two types of scales: the bract scales (arranged spirally) and the seed scales or ovuliferous scales. On the top of the base of each seed scale are two ovules and, in the center, are the vascular and parenchymal tissues. The scales open to receive the gametophytes (pollen), then they close during the fertilization and maturation period (6 to 8 months or more) and re-open when they reach maturity to allow the seed to escape. 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: 7.6 x 11.4 mm (0.30 x 0,45 in)