Seeds and their Germination g 



In the Hottentot fig or T'gaukum {Mesembryanthonum) 

 the embryo is curved around the endosperm. 



Examme some seeds of "meaHes" or Indian corn {Zea 

 mais). Notice a small raised place on one side toward the 

 smaller end. By soaking the seed and removing the coat this 



Fig. io. — Seed of Me- 

 se7nbryanthe)nu77i with 

 curved embryo. 



Fig. II. — Seed of Zea mais. a, embryo at one 

 side of endosperm ; b, embryo removed; c, seed 

 cut through, showing plumule, radicle, and side 

 roots. 



little body may be removed. It is the embryo. The greater 

 part of the seed is filled with endosperm. The embryo has 

 but one cotyledon, which lies close to the endosperm on one 



«/' 



?-(!^^/ 



Fig. 12. — Hcemanthiis seed, a, embryo ; b, endo- 

 sperm ; c, food outside the endosperm partly used ; 

 d, seed-coat. 



side, and on the other is joined to the plumule and radicle. 

 They are so covered by the folded cotyledon that only the 

 tips can be seen. 



The large seeds of the "April Fool" {Hcemanthus) have 

 but one cotyledon. The embryo is a small rod-shaped body 



