THE SEED o21 
called the micropyle or foramen. Just below this pore will be noted 
the hilum or scar which represents the point of detachment from 
the funiculus or stalk, which connected the seed during its growth 
with the wall of the fruit. Upon soaking the seed in water it is 
possible to remove the seed coat or spermoderm. This done, the 
embryo will be exposed. The two fleshy cotyledons are first seen. 
Upon spreading these out, convex sides down, the rest of the 
embryo, consisting of a thin leafy structure surrounding a bud 
Fic. 241.—Stages in the germination of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). 
Showing nutation and hyponasty. (After Atkinson.) 
and called the plumule, the caulicle or rudimentary stem, and 
in line with the latter, the radicle, or rudimentary root, will be 
seen. 
HisToLoGy oF THE LiMA BEAN SEED.—In transverse sections, 
the following microscopic structure will be evident: 
1. SPERMODERM of three regions, viz.; Palisade cells, Column 
cells, and Spongy Parenchyma. ‘The palisade cell layer is com- 
posed of vertically elongated, thick-walled cells which are covered 
on their outer faces by a clear glistening cuticle. The column 
cells, found forming a layer directly beneath the palisade zone, 
are hour-glass-shaped. 
