Seed cones of conifers are more complex than pollen cones. Seed cones are ________________ cones, each consisting of a shoot with axillary buds. The main axis of the cone bears leaves called ________________, rather than sporophylls, and each of these has an axillary bud that bears the ___________________. The axillary bud is microscopic, and its _________________ are fused laterally, forming an ____________________ scale.