The sporophytes bear sporangia that are subtended by leaf-like appendages called sporophylls. In some cases, sporophylls may form distinct compact structures called strobili or cones, especially in Selaginella, Equisetum. The sporangia produce spores by meiosis in spore mother cells. The spores germinate to give rise to the inconspicuous, small but multicellular prothallus.