<P> Though not included under the conifers, this group of cone - bearing plants retains some types of' primitive' characteristics . Its leaves unfurl, much like ferns . There are three extant families of Cycads of about 305 species . It reproduces with large cones, and is related to the other conifers in that regard, but it does not have a woody trunk like most cone - bearing families . </P> <P> Like the Cycads, this unique cone - bearing plant is not considered a conifer, but belongs in the Order Welwitschiales . Welwitschia mirabilis is often called a living fossil and is the only species in its genus, which is the only genus in its family, which is the only family in its Order . The male cones are on male plants, and female cones on female plants . After emergence of the two cotyledons, it sets only two more leaves . Those two leaves then continue to grow longer from their base, much like fingernails . This allows it great drought tolerance, which is likely why it has survived in the desert of Namibia, while all other representatives from its order are now extinct . </P> <P> For most species found in Australia, male and female cones occur on the same plant (tree or shrub), with female usually on the higher branches towards the top of the plant . This distribution is thought to improve chances of cross-fertilization, as pollen is unlikely to be blown vertically upward within the crown of one plant, but can drift slowly upward in the wind, blowing from low on one plant to higher on another plant . In some conifers, male cones additionally often grow clustered in large numbers together, while female cones are more often produced singly or in only small clusters . </P> <P> A further characteristic arrangement of pines is that the male cones are located at the base of the branch, while the female at the tip (of the same or a different branchlet). However, in larches and cedars, both types of cones are always at the tips of short shoots, while both sexes of fir cones are always from side buds, never terminal . There's also some diversity in bearing in Cupressaceae . Some, Cupressus for instance, has little or no differentiation in the positions of male and female cones . </P>

Ovuliferous scale of pinus is a part of