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A protective structure that develops from the base of an ovule and encloses it almost entirely except for an opening, the micropyle, at the tip of the nucellus. In most angiosperms there are two integuments, which may or may not be fused. In gymnosperms and in most dicotyledons with fused petals there is only one integument. Occasionally a third integument is formed, which becomes conspicuous as an aril following fertilization. This is seen in the spindle tree (Euonymous europaeus). The integuments have a vascular supply continuous with the parent via the funiculus.
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