THE SEEDS OF GYMNOSPERMS. 



439 



the cone; in the Cypress and other Cupressineoe, on the other hand, towards the 

 free margin of the scale (figs. 837 ^' *■ ^), and away from the axis of the cone. 



In several species, as in the Stone Pine {Pinus Pinea) and the AroUa Pine 

 (Pinus Cembra), the seed -coat attains a thickness of 1-^ to 2 millimetres, so that 

 the seed resembles a nut in appearance. Both these species, indeed, serve as an 



-The Lotus Lily (Nelumbium speciosum) (From a photograiili.) 



article of diet, being eaten like nuts. The seeds of Pines and Fir-trees are provided 

 with a one-sided wing (cf. figs. 335=^'*'°) which plays an important part in their 

 dispersal by wind. In the Maidenhair Tree {Ginlrjo hiloha) the integument of the 

 se^d becomes succulent and coloured a bright orange, so that tiie seed in a way 

 resembles a drupe {cf. fig. 337 7). In Cycas revoliUa, also, the integument becomes" 

 red and fleshy (cf. fig. 208 \ p. 74). 



