This is a photo of a European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) shoot in spring. The male pollen cones are light green (left side of the shoot), and the pollen has not been released. The female cone is pink with green bracts (right side of shoot) and is receptive. The vegetative buds are dark green, and the needles are just beginning to emerge from the buds. Male and female cones or flowers on the same plant (so-called monecious species) usually develop at slightly different times. This promotes genetic exchange among individuals, something tree breeders call out-crossing.

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