noun
Botanical term for the seed-bearing structure of conifers such as pines and hemlocks. Often used in the compound 松かさ (まつかさ, pine cone).
See also: 松毬 (まつかさ)
庭に松の木があって、秋になるとたくさんのかさが落ちる。
There is a pine tree in the garden, and in autumn many cones fall.
このかさは、ツガの木から取ったものです。
This cone was taken from a hemlock tree.
Specifically a pine cone; かさ is the more general botanical term for any conifer cone.
The origin is uncertain. The word may be related to 笠 (かさ, 'conical hat') due to the similar shape, but this is not confirmed.