Page 39 - The Miracle In The Seed
P. 39
Signs of Creation in the Seed
Each of the pods of the mimosa plant (above) con-
tains a seed and is in the shape of a tufted thorn. On
the other hand, Colutea arborescens (right) dis-
perses its seeds by bursting its air-filled seedpods.
examples of plant seeds’ functional structures. Conside-
ring that every plant has a different seed structure, the vari-
ety and degree of perfection in seeds is remarkable.
Special Materials in the Seed Coat
Not only do the seeds have different structures; but the seed coats
too are created with all their requirements.
The embryo inside the seed is extremely valuable – and vulnerab-
le, needing to be carefully protected until the new plant has completely
developed. This protection is provided by the seed coat, which shows
variations in each species of plant. The degree of protection the seed is
afforded corresponds to the resilience of the seed coat’s material,
which also affects the seed’s ability to float or to be carried by the wind.
The seed’s outer covering takes a great variety of forms, with
