In some mature seeds, the diploid maternal tissue that originally enclosed the embryo sac prior to fertilization remains as a persistent residual structure. Which of the following plants exhibits this feature?

Step-by-step solution

The diploid maternal tissue that encloses the embryo sac before fertilization is the nucellus. In most seeds, the nucellus is entirely consumed during the development of the embryo and endosperm. However, in some seeds such as black pepper and beet, remnants of the nucellus are persistent. This residual, persistent nucellus is called perisperm. Pea and groundnut are non-albuminous seeds and lack perisperm. Wheat is an albuminous seed but also lacks persistent nucellus. Answer: Black pepper