THE SEEDS OF GYMNOSPERMS. 



439 



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

 free margin of the scale (figs. 337 ^' *■ «), and away from the axis of the cone. 



In several species, as in the Stone Pine (Pinus Pinea) and the Arolla Pine 

 (Pinus Gembra), 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 



Fig. 333. — The Lotus Lily (Nelumbium speciosum). (From a pliotograph.) 



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 (Gingho biloba) the integument of the 

 seed becomes succulent and coloured a bright orange, so that the seed in a way 

 resembles a drupe (cf. fig. 337 '). In Cycas revoluta, also, the integument becomes 

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



