This picture shows a portion of a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) shoot. Female (seed) cones, with their characteristic bracts, are located at the tip of the shoot. Several male (pollen) cones are located along the underside of the shoot (pink and round). Individual needles occur along the shoot. Needles and leaves are covered with a waxy cuticle to prevent water loss and are sometimes covered with hairs, which are an extension of the epidermis. Click here to learn more about the cuticle and stoma.