scutellum (botany)

The scutellum is part of the structure of a barley and rice{{cite journal |last1=Pazuki |first1=Arman |last2=Sohani |first2=Mehdi |name-list-style=amp |year=2013 |title= Phenotypic evaluation of scutellum-derived calluses in 'Indica' rice cultivars |url= http://aas.bf.uni-lj.si/september2013/08Pazuki.pdf |journal= Acta Agriculturae Slovenica |volume=101 |issue=2 |pages=239–247 |doi=10.2478/acas-2013-0020 |accessdate=February 2, 2014|doi-access=free }} seed—the modified seed leaf.

The scutellum (from the Latin scutella meaning "small shield") can also refer to the equivalence of a thin cotyledon in monocots (especially members of the grass family). It is very thin with high surface area, and serves to absorb nutrients from the endosperm during germination.Campbell & Reece "Biology"; 7th ed.{{full citation needed|date=January 2025}}{{page number needed|date=January 2025}}

The scutellum is believed to contain an as yet unidentified protein transporter that facilitates starch movement from the endosperm to the embryo.