Stomata on the Fruits and Seeds of Eschscholzia (Papaveraceae)

Stomata are present on the outer and inner fruit walls and seed coats of Eschscholzia californica, E. covillei, E. glyptosperma, E. lemmonii and E. minutiflora. The stomata on the inner fruit wall and seed coat remain constantly open, even under plasmolyzing conditions, whereas those of the outer fruit wall are able to open and close. This allows for gas exchange in these chlorophyllous structures. Fibrous bundle caps in the costal regions of the fruit act as windows allowing light transmission to the photosynthetic seeds within. Preliminary results show that the total photosynthesis by the fruits and seeds of Eschscholzia californica together appears to at least balance respiratory losses, and under favorable conditions might significantly contribute to seed and fruit development.