Moreover, the low variation of soluble sugar content in the perisperm, unlike what happens in the endosperm, would be indicative that this tissue works as a bridge between the leaves, nutrient suppliers, and the endosperm (Rogers et al.1999; Geromel et al. 2005). In this sense, leaf production is extremely important for the coffee plant. Still, in the flowering stage, the degree of leaf production influences the success of flowering. Branches with flowers, but few leaves, result in a small number of fruits (Magalhães and Angelocci1976; Gopal et al. 1975). The demand for organic nutrients in both stages would have to be supplied by the leaves.
Around 45 to 60 days after flowering, the first cell divisions, which will lead to endosperm formation (the economically interesting part of the fruit), takes place (Mendes 1941). During its formation, the fruit shows a small increase
in size, but acquires dry mass, replacing the internal space previously occupied by the perisperm. The tissue known as silver skin in the ripe fruit is the residue from the perisperm. At the end of endosperm formation, it loses water and hardens