Anatomical and Histochemical Changes in Berries of Piper nigrum L.

Anatomical and histochemical changes taking place in Piper nigrum berries during their ripening are described. The important observations on the pericarp are the development of sclereids in the exocarp, a continuous band of oil cells in mesocarp and the wall thickening of the endocarpic cells. The mature seed with a single layer of seed coat, representing the innermost tegment layer, encloses abundant perisperm. The endosperm and embryo are situated laterally at the terminal part of the seed. The perisperm is distinguished into an outer protein-rich zone and inner starch-filled zone. Starch and protein are also deposited in the mature pericarpic tissue. Lipid bodies are seem in the form of oil globules in oil cells.