Britannica Sources used in this answer

What does the hilum scar show on a seed?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The hilum is a small scar on a seed that marks its former point of attachment to the ovary wall.12

During development, an ovule is attached to the placenta inside the fruit by a short stalk known as the funiculus. Once the seed matures and is liberated from the plant, the connection point where the funiculus was attached remains visible as the hilum. In some seeds, a short ridge called the raphe may also be present, which is formed by the fusion of the seed stalk and the seed coat.32