Morphogenesis of the seed cone of Araucaria araucana (Molina) K. Koch and the evolution of the coniferous seed scale

•Ovule of Araucaria araucana is partially enveloped by the seed scale during development.•At least partial envelopment of the ovule, apomorphic for Araucaria and podocarps.•Seed scale of extant conifers share a common bauplan and are homologous.•The seed scale is the modified funiculus of the ovule.