zaad

Zaad is the Dutch and Afrikaans word for seed. It describes the reproductive unit of a plant, often containing an embryo, stored nutrients, and a protective seed coat, capable of germinating into a new plant. Seeds enable plant reproduction and dispersal and show wide variation in size and form, from microscopic orchid seeds to large coconuts. They may remain dormant until environmental conditions trigger germination.

In agriculture and horticulture, seeds are produced, cleaned, tested for germination, and packaged for sale. Breeding programs develop hybrids and open-pollinated varieties with traits such as yield, disease resistance, and climate tolerance. Seed banks and certification schemes help preserve genetic diversity and ensure quality for farmers and gardeners. Seed technology also covers storage conditions, seed coatings, and vigor testing to improve field performance.

In everyday language, zaad also refers to semen in Dutch, with zaadcel as the sperm cell. In Afrikaans, the word similarly covers the plant seed sense, and compounds such as zaadbank are used in discussions of seed conservation and biodiversity. The term appears in many common expressions and is a foundational term in agriculture, horticulture, and biology in Dutch- and Afrikaans-speaking communities.