These conifer cones gradually disintegrate through the Winter until they become dust. The material reminds me of that used by wasps to make a nest. One wonders how and why this species has gone along this evolutionary path? Any ID of the species welcome please!
The disintegration of these cones with the candle-like central column immediately identifies it as a member of Abies. @Michael F may know the species, and might know something about the evolutionary advantage as well.
All Abies cones disintegrate at maturity (and so do Cedrus); ID as A. grandis by cone size, scale shape, and lack of exserted bracts, and to some extent, probability - some close relatives of A. grandis are near-indistinguishable, but won't be encountered outside of specialist botanical gardens.
Confirm that Abies species in my garden, lasciocarpa, concolor, pinsapo, and Koreana, all have cones that disintegrate while still being held like thumbs up on upper branches. The large seeds sprout easily but don’t survive unless cultivated.
