The unusual tegumental tissues of the Lunaria annua (Brassicaceae) seed: a developmental study using light and electron microscopy

With light, fluorescence, transmission electron, and environmental scanning electron microscopy we studied the development of the Lunaria annua L. (Brassicaceae) seeds in order to reveal basic anatomical information about the unusual tissues of these seeds. In particular the seed tegument tissues possess complex morphological aspects that are relevant to the biology and ecology of this plant. A sclerenchymatic tissue as the innermost layer of the teguments apparently offers robust protection for the embryo, yet is organized to be flexible. This tissue likely controls the passage of water from the tegumental layers towards the embryo. We report here the presence of tannins in the pre-sclerenchymatic layer of the unripe seed. The inner tegument also houses a spongy tissue with wide intercellular spaces. This tissue could impart buoyancy to the seeds, which possibly might be required for water transport. The structural features could indicate that Lunaria may have evolved in a Mediterranean environment, which is characterized by a long dry season, but with a large amount of rainfall concentrated in short periods. Probably, not only the typical enlarged and flattened fruits of Lunaria can easily float and be dispersed away from the mother plant, but also the seeds have this dispersal peculiarity after release from the silicules.