Abstract: The results of the anatomy and histochemistry of the seeds of Roscoea purpurea show that the seed consists of aril, seed coat, perisperm, endosperm and embryo. The seeds are incompletely packed by the aril which comprises 4~5 layers of parenchymatous cells. The seed coat can be divided into exotesta, mesotesta, and endotesta. The exotesta consists of one layer of epidermal cells that their walls are obviously thickened. The mesotesta includes hypodermis(with one layer of cells), translucent cell layer(with one layer of cells) and pigment cell layer with 3~4 layers of pigment cells. The cells of the hypodermis and pigment cell layer are filled red-brown coloured pigment. The endotesta comprises one layer of brick-shaped parenchymatous cells with partially thickened. Micropylar collar, operculum and caruncle-like structure are differentiated in the micropylar region. The micropylar collars belong to homomorphic type. Operculum is without sclerotic cell. A cap appears in the endotesta of the chalazal region and is filled with a group of chalazal pigment cells. The outline of the pigment cell group is a crescent. The perisperm has two parts. The perisperm cells with flat walls is filled up with starch grains. The endosperm cells mainly contain proteins, but also contain a few lipids. Their cell walls are obscure. The embryo is bar-shaped, its both ends slightly swell. The embryo cells contains a great number of lipids, some proteins and ploysaccharides.

Key words: Roscoea purpurea, Seed, Anatomy, Histochemistry