What is the difference between a seed and a plant, as described in the Michael Pollan book "In Defense of

Question

what is the differencce between a seed and a plant, as described in the Michael Pollan book "In Defense of Food"?

Answer 1

I have not yet read Michael Pollan's newest book.   Therefor my answer is a bit of a stabe in the dark (from someone who has read his prior book, and is herself a farmer).

A seed is just that, a seed.  Seeds if properly cared for can last a very long time.  A seed is a plants embrio, just waiting for the right set of cirumstances to come along, so it can sprout, and grow.

Once a seed sprouts, it becomes a plant.

You've probably seen a sunflower seed, with it's hull on (usually salted and in a bag ready to eat)?   You also probably know what a sunflower looks like?

So the sunflower seed is the embrio.  One that has not been salted and roasted for humans to eat, could be planted in the ground, and a brand new sunflower plant would grow from that little seed.

As I stated, I have not yet read his latest book.  Hopefully I was able to answer your question.  If there are any details you care to add, or a frame of referance, I'll try to answer the question better.

~Garnet

Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years