aril

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aril A usually fleshy and often brightly coloured outgrowth from the funicle or hilum of a seed, a third integument. Arils probably often aid seed dispersal, by drawing attention to the seed after the fruit has dehisced, and by providing food as an attractant and reward to the disperser. The aril of the nutmeg (see MYRISTICA) produces the spice mace, and the seed itself is the nutmeg.

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