Term:
Sarcotesta
Sarcotesta
Definition:
A fleshy layer of the seed coat that attracts animals and aids in seed dispersal.
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.
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.