integument

noun

(L. in: into; tegumen: all that can be used to cover) The outer protective covering of a plant ovule. It is perforated by a small pore, the micropyle. Usually two integuments are present in angiosperms and one in gymnosperms. After fertilization the integuments form the testa (seed coat) of the seed. A natural outer covering, as a skin, husk, rind, etc.