THE SEED. 87 
These ovules, after having been fertilized, constitute the seed. 
That portion of the fruit of phanerogams which is formed 
from the ovule and contains the developed embryo is called the 
seed. Before the latter are utilized, they are, for the most 
part, completely freed from the seed-vessel. In the case of 
some seeds, the seed-shell or testa and the inner membrane are 
also removed. 
The seed consists of the seed-coats or integuments and the 
embryo, and frequently, in addition thereto, of the albumen.’ 
The former usually consists of an external, firm, occasionally 
very hard seed-shell or testa,” whichis invested with a thin, but 
often very tough inner membrane ; this may readily be removed, 
especially after softening in water,-as in the case of the 
almond, coffee and Semen Ricini, so that the kernel of the seed 
alone remains. Semen Quercus consists, in the commercial 
form, exclusively of the kernel, the two cotyledons without the 
membrane of the seed. With Semen Myristice or the nutmeg 
(as also with Cacao), on the contrary, the membrane penetrates 
into the kernel or nucleus, and in the case of the former, for 
example, cannot be separated in a connected form. 
The testa is formed from the integuments of the ovule. For 
its first development the embryo requires a special supply of 
nutritive substances, which may be stored in the tissue of the 
embryo itself. In this case, a particular albumen is not present, 
the seed being thus destitute of albumen, or exalbuminous, as, 
é. g., Semen Quercus, the almond and mustard (and in general 
all the Cruciferz). ; 
If, however, there is developed, simultaneously with the em- 
bryo, a special tissue filled with reserve material, this is called 
albumen. If this tissue, with regard to its origin, belongs to the 
embryo-sac, as is usually the case, it is termed endosperm * 
(Umbellifere, Fig. 17 a); if, however, a portion of the nucleus 
(kernel of the ovule) has been converted into albumen, it is dis- 
1 Albus, white (the white of egg). 
2 Testa, a vessel, or also a shell. 
’”Eyvéov inside, 6repua seed. 
