Date palm seed. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a seed of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera. The outer seed coat (black) and inner endosperm cells are visible. This seed occurs within the edible date fruits which are a basic source of food for both people and animals. The seeds are inedible, however, but dispersed by this fruit eating process. The date palm is widely cultivated in southern parts of Europe and grows freely in African oases. Almost every part of the tree is used in human activities: the trunk furnishes timber, the leaves for making mats, and the fruits as a staple foodstuff. Magnification: x3 at 35mm size. Magnification:x12 at 4x5inch size.