An unusual case of epigeal cryptocotylar germination in Rollinia salicifolia (Annonaceae)

Abstract

An unusual case of epigeal cryptocotylar germination found in Rollinia salicifolia Schltdl. (Annonaceae) is described and is discussed in relation to the terminology used for germination studies. The terms cryptocotylar and phanerocotylar are used to describe the permanence of cotyledons within the seed coat or endocarp; the terms epigeal and hypogeal are used to refer the position of cotyledons in relation to ground level. The terms to describe position about ground level and permanence of cotyledons within the seed coat or endocarp are not used simultaneously in many papers, and some authors consider the terms cryptocotylar and hypogeal to be synonyms. Cases of epigeal cryptocotylar germination seem to be scarce in the literature. The morphological characters shown by R. salicifolia seeds and seedlings - a non-chlorophyllous embryo, abundant endosperm, thick woody seed coat, thickened hypocotyl and non-photosynthetic haustorial cotyledons - are closely related to its epigeal cryptocotylar germination. This is the first record of this type of germination in Argentina. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London.