Hypocotyl
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Title
Hypocotyl
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Definition
The part of the main axis of a seed embryo (or a very young seedling) found below the cotyledonary node. The roots grow from the hypocotyl.
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Notes
In most zygomorphic-flowered species of neotropical Lecythidaceae the hypocotyl is large and swollen ans serves as the main source of nutrition for the early growth of the seedlings. In this species, there are no apparent cotyledons. It has been claimed, however, that the cotyledons remain as two scales in Bertholletia excelsa, a species with a swollen hypocotyl.
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Related Terms
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