Embryo
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Title
Embryo
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Definition
A young seed plant found within the seed, a dicotyledon embryo consists of the hypocotyle, cotyledons (usually two), and the epicotyl.
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Notes
The embryo of Neotropical Lecythidaceae is of three types based on the presence or absence as well as the type of cotyledons. Type 1: The cotyledons are leaf-like or foliaceous. This type of cotyledon is found in all species of Cariniana, Couratari, and Couroupita, and some species of Allantoma. Type 2: The cotyledons are thick, fleshy, irregular, and consist of two or more; this type is found in all species of Gustavia. Type 3: In this type the cotyledons are absent and the hypocotyl takes over their role; this type is called a macropodial embryo and is common in all of the zygomorphic-flowered genera except for Cariniana, Couratari, and Couroupita.
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Related Terms
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Broader Terms
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