Palm seeds in cross-section

[John in Andalucia]

Here is a cross-section of the Syagrus romanzoffiana seed. Notice how small an area is occupied by the endosperm. The embryo is clearly visible in the top-right corner.

Syagrus romanzoffiana

The next palm seed specimen will be Bismarckia nobilis (Silver).

[merrill]

Hi, John:

Thanks for the interesting photo! What is the botanical term for this seed? Is it involute? Apparently those hybrids of queen with which I'm familiar don't have this characteristic.

Best Wishes, merrill

[John in Andalucia]

Hi, John:

Thanks for the interesting photo! What is the botanical term for this seed? Is it involute? Apparently those hybrids of queen with which I'm familiar don't have this characteristic.

Best Wishes, merrill

Hi Merrill,

As I understand it, the involute characteristic of Syagrus romazoffiana refers to the concave surface seen in the cross-section, from where the embryo emerges, to the tip of the seed.

[Kris]

Dear John

lovely cross section still,i wish to know how you did it ? the cutting looks razor sharp & accurate...!

thanks & love,

Kris

[John in Andalucia]

Dear John

lovely cross section still,i wish to know how you did it ? the cutting looks razor sharp & accurate...!

thanks & love,

Kris

Kris,

Here are the tools of the trade. A hacksaw blade, fine emery paper and a nice cup of Ceylon tea - preferably in a bone china mug. When you have your seed cut in two, if you did it correctly, one half will show the embryo. Sand it smooth to reveal the embryo a little clearer, and then rub a drop of oil, or hand cream onto the sanded surface to enhance the detail. Then put the half-seed in your flat-bed scanner. No camera work involved.

[John in Andalucia]

Bismarckia nobilis (Silver)

[Walter John]

Brilliant John. Very informative and awe inspiring to see some of life's early beginnings.

You didn't say when to drink the tea though ?

[John in Andalucia]

Brilliant John. Very informative and awe inspiring to see some of life's early beginnings.

You didn't say when to drink the tea though ?

Wal,

Whilst examining the smoothness, and fine detail revealed within.

[chris.oz]

Bismarckia nobilis (Silver)

In the case of the Bismarckia, I found that this was in the category of vegetable ivory..... the endosperm is exceptionally hard and almost "crystalline" did you have much problem sanding and polishing this John, or did it cleave naturally during the cutting process?

[John in Andalucia]

Bismarckia nobilis (Silver)

In the case of the Bismarckia, I found that this was in the category of vegetable ivory..... the endosperm is exceptionally hard and almost "crystalline" did you have much problem sanding and polishing this John, or did it cleave naturally during the cutting process?

No problems with the sanding, Chris. The harder the material, the easier it is to get a smoother finish, but the cutting took several minutes.

[simona]

The pictures are extremely accurate and the job is perfectly done. Amazing John, it's an experience itself being able to look at the embryo so clearly.

Thank you and please, show us more!

.....I have just one remark: a ruler placed as frame, might give an idea of the dimentions.

[Palm Guy]

John,

Thanks..You saved me from dissecting one of the Bismarckia seeds I'm expecting in the mail any day now. I tend to cut seeds open to determine location of the embryo and general seed viability.

[John in Andalucia]

Two more examples. Glad the science class proved useful! Simona, sorry I haven't got a proper rule for measuring - only a tape measure.

......................Brahea armata.................................Caryota obtusa - minus embryo

[Kris]

Dear John

thanks for all the explaination & terrefic visuals...!

lots of love to you,

Kris

[chris.oz]

John,

Thanks..You saved me from dissecting one of the Bismarckia seeds I'm expecting in the mail any day now. I tend to cut seeds open to determine location of the embryo and general seed viability.

Yes John, Fascinating stuff. Not a dimension we are used to seeing. To many of us seeds are so precious we would not cut them up. I am interested to see how many have really hard endosperm. Unlike Jubaea and Cocos !

[John in Andalucia]

You did what to my Double Coconut??

[John in Andalucia]

Dictyosperma album