spore
Biology term for a reproductive cell capable of developing into a new organism without fusion with another cell, as in fungi, ferns, and bacteria.
Ferns reproduce by spores.
The mushroom spores were carried away by the wind.
This mushroom produces spores when autumn comes.
The mature sporangium releases its spores.
Moss reproduces by spores.
The spore germinated on the damp soil.
花粉 is pollen, the male gametophyte carried by seed plants for fertilization, whereas 胞子 is a self-sufficient reproductive spore that doesn't require fusion with another cell.
grain; bead; drop · counter for small round objects
From 胞 (cell, sac) + 子 (small thing, child). The kanji compound directly reflects the biological concept of a small reproductive cell.