It functions as a sand stabilizer. The sporophyte has superficial resemblances to angiosperm influences. The microstrobili have rounded apices. The megastrobili have four to seven pairs of bracts attached to an axis. The ovule is surounded by a fleshy outer envelope called an outer integument.
Microsporophylls erupt between two bracts when sporangia mature.
The female gametophyte is a nucellus like all seed plants. The necks of the archogonia are the largest of any family of the gynosperms. Certain cells of the female gametophyte are thick and filled with stored metabolites. As the female gametophytes mature, the cells at the apices of the megasporangia degenerate to form a deep pollen chamber which extends to the female gametophyte and archegonia. The microspores begin their development into male gametophytes.