The plant body is sporophyte. It is an evergreen tall tree. Plant body is divided into root, stem and leaves Stem: The main trunk is unbranched. It has branches confined to the apical region. These branches form a characteristic canopy. It is covered with a scaly bark. Its branches are dimorphic.

a)Branches of unlimited growth: The main branches have an unlimited growth. They bear only scale leaves.

(b)Branches of limited growth: Branches of limited growth or dwarf branches are produced in the axil of the scale leaves on the main branches. These are about 1 -2cm long. These are covered by one or two scale leaves. These branches also bear foliage leaves. A dwarf shoot with its foliage leaves is called spur.

Leaf:Pinus has two types of leaves: scale leaves and foliage leaves.

(a) Scale leaves: The scale leaves are small, membranous and brownish in colour. These are protective in function. They are present on the main and dwarf shoots.

(b)Foliage leaves: The foliage leaves are green and needle-like. They are found only on the dwarf shoots forming the spur.

Roots: Pinus has a well developed tap root. It remains short and grows on hard ground or rocks. The lateral roots are well developed. These roots spread over a large area. Young roots are infested with a fungus to form mycorrhizae.

1. Pinus is a large, perennial, evergreen plant. 2. Branches grow spirally and thus the plant gives the appearance of a conical or pyramidal structure.