In Pinus, male cone bears a large number of
ligules
anthers
micro- sporophylls
mega- sporophylls
C.
micro- sporophylls
Micro-sporophylls or mega- sporophylls are the leaf like structures on which microsporangia and megasporangia are borne on the same plant of Pinus.
(a) Male cones (microstrobili)- are small
(b) Female cones (ovulate strobili)- are large
Each male cone consists of an elongated axis containing number of micro- sporophylls. Underside of same develops 2 microsporangia and gets filled with microspores (pollen grains).
Anther or microsporangium is the male reproductive structure of angiosperm.
Ligule, is a tongue- like membranous outgrowth, present on upper surface, near the base of the microphyllous leaf in pteridophytes.
