Lycopod Cones

Lycopod Cones

Lycopods show the same alternation of generations that is seen in many primitive land plants. However, unlike mosses, the plant that you see growing is the asexual or spore-producing stage. Most species have cones (strobili) in which spores are produced, all of one kind (homosporous). The picture shows a magnified section through a strobilus or cone. Lycopodium spores were once used in photo flashes and in fireworks. [CH] {FG}