Abstract:The seed of Amomum villosum Lour. comprises aril, seed coat, perisperm, endosperm and embryo. The aril contains outer epidermis, inner epidermis and 6-9 layers of cells between them. The seed coat can be divided into exotesta, mesotesta and endotesta. The exotesta consists of one layer of epidermal cells with thickened and slightly lignified cell walls. The mesotesta includes one layer of hypodermaal cells, one layer of translucent cells and 3-5 layers of pigment cells. The hypodermal cells and pigment cells with reticulate wall thickening are rich in plament. The endotesta is composed of one layer of sclereids and their anticlinal and inner periclinal walls are strongly thickened. The verruciform protuberances are scattered on seed coat surface. Each protuberance is constructed by 1- 3 hypodermal cells with projections outward at one end or median part of cells and their outer epidermal cells with smaller volume. A gap appears in the endotesta of the chalazal region. The number of layer of sclerids near the gap often increases to 2-3 layers. Chalazal pigment cells stuff the gap and as a mass with trumpet-shaped project inward. Micropylar collar, operculum and parenchyma cells are differentiated at micropylar region. The operculum consists of 3- 5 layers of sclereids and 2- 4 layers of pigment cells. The cndosperm has two parts, the upper part is of multilayered structure, but the lower part is with monolayer of cells. Lipids (including volatile oil) mainly present in embryo cells and several layers of cells of aril adjacent to seed coat, then in cells of the outer most layer of the endosperm and exotesta cells.
