Editing Aril (section)

==Development in ''Taxus''==
[[File:Taxus baccata MHNT.jpg|left|250px|thumb|{{nowrap|The fleshy aril that surrounds each seed in}} the [[Taxus baccata|yew]] is a highly modified seed cone scale]]

In European yew plants (''[[Taxus baccata]]''), the aril starts out as a small, green band at the base of the seed, then turns brown to red as it enlarges and surrounds the seed, eventually becoming fleshy and scarlet in color at maturity. The aril is attractive to fruit-eating [[bird]]s and is non-toxic. All other parts of the yew are toxic, including the seed housed inside the aril. If the seed is crushed, breaks or splits in the stomach of a human, bird or another animal, it will result in poisoning. Birds digest the fleshy aril as a food source, and pass the seeds out in their droppings, promoting [[Dispersal vector|dispersal]] of the seeds.