Sarcotesta

• Title

  Sarcotesta

• Definition

  A fleshy layer of the seed coat that attracts animals and aids in seed dispersal.

• Notes

  At one time it was felt that the white tissue partially or completely enveloping the seeds of some species of Eschweilera was a sarcotesta but now it is believed that this is tissue derived from the aril (see E. collinsii, E. ovalifolia, and E. sessilis for examples). Thus, this tissue is now called a spreading aril. As far as well know, only Couroupita guianensis has long tricomes arising from the seed coat and these trichomes are not fleshy like a sarcotesta.

• Related Terms

  Aril spreading

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