Longitudinal section of a corn embryo

Photographer

Clayton, Michael W.

Summary

• Photomacrograph
• What is commonly considered a seed in grasses (family Poaceae) is botanically a fruit. This fruit is a caryopsis. A caryopsis is a fruit that is dry and indehiscent and is firmly joined at all points to the underlying seed. All grains are of this fruit type and include rye, wheat, corn, barley, rice, and oats. The fruit makes up the bran of the grain. The embryo is the germ of the grain. The endosperm of the seed provides us with refined products such as white rice and white flour.