Non-albuminous seed is produced in castor.

Castor oil plant is an important crop cultivated for both its oil-rich seeds and medicinal properties. The seeds of castor plant are non-albuminous, which means they do not contain endosperm. Let's explore why castor seeds are non-albuminous and the significance of this characteristic.

Definition of non-albuminous seed:
Non-albuminous seeds are those that lack endosperm, a tissue rich in nutrients, such as proteins and starch, found in many seeds. In these seeds, the cotyledons, which are embryonic leaves, store the reserve food material.

Characteristics of castor seeds:
1. Absence of endosperm: The seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis) do not possess endosperm. Instead, the cotyledons are filled with reserve food material, which is utilized by the developing embryo during germination.
2. Presence of oily endospermic tissue: While castor seeds are non-albuminous, they do contain a specialized endospermic tissue called the oily endosperm. This tissue consists of oil-filled cells and provides nourishment to the developing embryo.
3. Nutrient storage: The cotyledons of castor seeds store the reserve food material, which primarily consists of lipids or oils. These oils are extracted from the seeds and used for various purposes, including the production of castor oil.

Significance of non-albuminous seeds:
1. Adaptation to a dry environment: Non-albuminous seeds, like those of castor, are well-suited for survival in arid or dry environments. The absence of endosperm allows efficient utilization of stored nutrients by the developing embryo, ensuring better chances of germination and establishment of the plant.
2. Oil production: Castor seeds are valued for their oil content, which is extracted by crushing the seeds. The extracted oil finds application in numerous industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as a biofuel. The non-albuminous nature of castor seeds contributes to their high oil content.
3. Seed dispersal: Non-albuminous seeds often have adaptations for effective dispersal. In the case of castor seeds, they are contained within a spiky, greenish-brown fruit capsule, which splits open when ripe, releasing the seeds. The spiky capsule aids in dispersal by attaching to animals' fur or feathers.

In conclusion, castor is an example of a plant that produces non-albuminous seeds. The absence of endosperm in castor seeds allows efficient utilization of stored nutrients by the embryo and contributes to their high oil content. This characteristic is significant for the adaptation of the plant to dry environments, oil production, and seed dispersal.