What Is a Seed?
A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering. It is the product of the ripened ovule of gymnosperm and angiosperm plants, which occurs after fertilization and some growth within the mother plant.
Seeds are essential to plant reproduction and have been vital to human civilization for thousands of years—providing food, fuel, fiber, and medicine.
Types of Seeds
- Monocot Seeds: Have one cotyledon (e.g., corn, wheat).
- Dicot Seeds: Have two cotyledons (e.g., beans, sunflowers).
- Heirloom Seeds: Open-pollinated varieties passed down through generations.
- Hybrid Seeds: Created by cross-pollinating two different parent plants.
- GMO Seeds: Genetically modified for traits like pest resistance or yield.
How Seeds Grow
Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It requires:
- Water – to activate metabolic processes
- Oxygen – for respiration
- Proper temperature – varies by species
- Sometimes light or darkness – depending on the plant
“A seed is a living thing. It contains life itself.” — Anonymous
Fascinating Seed Facts
- The largest seed in the world is the coco de mer, weighing up to 30 kg!
- Some seeds can remain viable for hundreds—even thousands—of years.
- The oldest seed ever germinated was a 2,000-year-old Judean date palm seed.
- Orchids produce the tiniest seeds—millions can fit in a single capsule.
- Seeds store energy as starch, oil, or protein to fuel early growth.
Why Seed Conservation Matters
With climate change, habitat loss, and industrial agriculture, many plant species—and their seeds—are at risk of extinction. Seed banks like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserve genetic diversity for future generations.
Conserving seeds ensures food security, ecosystem resilience, and cultural heritage.