self-nutrition

Updated: June 23, 2025

In cases where the embryo has stored reserve food within itself and thus provided for self-nutrition, such endosperm as remains in the seed may take on other functions, for instance, that of water-absorption. Some deviations from the usual course of development may be noted.

Various - Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Part 1, Slice 1