A pore-like opening between the integuments is called the micropyle. One pollen grain forms from each microspore. The pollen grain has wings on each side that aid in dispersal through the air. The ovule is actually a specialized megasporangium enclosed by integuments. The ovule develops on an ovuliferous scale that is subtended by a bract.
Pollination occurs when wind carries pollen to the micropylar opening of the ovule.
Some gymnosperms have a pollination droplet upon which pollen grains adhere. Upon evaporation, the pollen is drawn into the micropyle. Once there, pollen grains form a pollen tube. Fertilization occurs when the sperm nucleus migrates down the pollen tube into the archegonium and finally fuses with the egg nucleus. Several eggs may be fertilized at once and may begin developing as independent embryos at the apex of long suspensor cells.