The Hypocotyl elongates and lifts the remainder of the seed above the substrate. The Cotyledons enlarge and absorb nutrients from the Megagametophyte . However, further growth of the cotyledons results in their separation from the megagametophyte. The cotyledons complete their development and act as photosynthetic leaves. This overtakes the cotyledons as the source of photosynthate.
Conifer seeds can persist in the soil for decades.
They can withstand freezing and fires . Cones of lodgepole pine will not open unless they are exposed to the heat of a forest fire. Consequently, this species often forms pure stands following hot fires. They are replaced in older stands by more dominant species. However, their seeds are waiting in the soil for the next fire.