Where do gymnosperm seeds come from?

Where do gymnosperm seeds come from?

The female and male reproductive structures of gymnosperms are aggregated into unisexual megaspore and microspore balls respectively. The megaspores are flattened, and then naked inverted ovules grow, which will produce naked seeds.

What do gymnosperm seeds look like?

The seeds of gymnosperms are exposed, unlike those of angiosperms which are covered with pericarp. It is just a single seed, which is mainly spread by wind. In addition, after animals eat the seeds, they cannot digest them and are then excreted from the body.

How to obtain gymnosperm seeds

During the maturation period of gymnosperms, the single layer of integuments develops into the seed coat, forming mature seeds, which can then be harvested in time and stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment.

Gymnosperm seed planting

1. After the pollen of gymnosperms matures, it can be spread by wind to the micropyle of the ovule, causing it to germinate a pollen tube. The reproductive cells in the pollen tube will form two sperms, one of which will fertilize the mature egg and grow into an embryo with a plumule, radicle, hypocotyl and cotyledons.

2. Gymnosperm seeds are suitable for sowing in warm seasons. They cannot be sown during high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. It is difficult for them to germinate unless cooling, shading and warming measures are taken. The best time to plant them is in spring and autumn.

3. Choose loose, breathable and well-drained soil, put it into a flowerpot or seed tray, water it thoroughly, then sprinkle the gymnosperm seeds evenly on the soil layer, cover it with a thin layer of soil, use a sprayer to keep it moist, maintain it in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated environment, and wait for germination.