The plant embryo is fed through an umbilical cord while protected in the seed pod. Water and nutrients are delivered to the embryo through this attachment, and that is why the plant needs water while the leaves are seen drying up. This is a picture of a snap pea pod purchased at the grocery store. People eat plant embryos and seeds like snap peas, beans, and peanuts. They are a nutritious part of our diet. This attachment will dry up and come off leaving a mark on the seed called the hilum when the seed is formed.