Ovuliferous scales and their associated bracts are usually spirally disposed on a central axis to form a compact, compound megasporangiate strobilis or cone. One of four haploid megaspores derived from meiosis of a megasporocyte in each ovule potentially yields a highly multicellular but dependent female gametophyte bearing 1 or more archegonia, each containing an egg cell. Pollen produced in the microsporangia is usually dispersed to the vicinity of the ovule by wind. A pollen tube formed by the male gametophyte then delivers the nonmotile male gametes through the micropyle and to the immediate vicinity of the egg whereupon fertilization may occur. The developing embryo derives its nutrients from the female gametophyte.
Seeds are often winged.