Aril (Noun)
Meaning
Fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelops the seed.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The vibrant aril surrounding the seed of the Paeonia lutea plays a crucial role in attracting birds and other animals to disperse the seed.
- Yew seeds have a fleshy aril that is poisonous to humans but serves as a food source for birds.
- The bright red aril that covers the seed of the Magnolia delavayi is highly attractive to birds and helps to disperse it.
- Many species of Taxus seeds are covered with a red aril that functions as a lure for birds.
- In some plant species, such as Notopterygium, a thin aril remains attached to the seed after release.