Aril
Aril
Aril (/ˈærɪl/), from the Latin arillus, is a specialized outgrowth from a seed that partly or completely covers the seed. An aril is often an edible, fleshy structure.
Etymology
The term "aril" comes from the Latin arillus, meaning "little bag". This is in reference to the structure of an aril, which can often resemble a small pouch enveloping the seed.
Description
An aril is a structure that grows at the attachment point of the seed. It is an outgrowth of the funicle (the stalk of the seed), and it envelops the seed to varying degrees. Arils are often brightly colored and fleshy, making them attractive to animals. This is a form of seed dispersal, as animals eat the aril and the seed within it, then excrete the seed in a different location.
Related Terms
- Seed: The plant structure that contains an embryo and is capable of developing into a new plant. The aril partly or completely covers the seed.
- Funicle: The stalk by which a seed is attached to the fruit; the funicle is the structure from which the aril grows.
- Seed dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant. Arils often aid in seed dispersal by attracting animals.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aril
- Wikipedia's article - Aril
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