Pine cones, also known as pine fruits, are the seeds of coniferous trees belonging to the Pinaceae family within the order Pinales.

Basic Information

• Botanical Classification: Pine cones are classified under the subphylum Gymnospermae, class Pinopsida, and family Pinaceae; they are the woody seed cones of coniferous plants.

• Morphological Characteristics: The overall shape resembles a tower, typically elliptical in form—wider at the top and tapering toward the base—with a length of approximately 6–10 centimeters and a width of about 3 centimeters. The surface is composed of multiple layers of lignified seed scales that spiral around the cone and curve upward, creating a “layered scale arrangement.” The thickened upper portion of each seed scale is called the “scale shield,” while the warty protrusion located at the center or apex of the scale is referred to as the “scale umbilicus,” which may be armed with spines or remain spineless.