GERMINATION OF CISTUS-LADANIFER SEEDS IN RELATION TO PARENT MATERIAL

Variability in seed germination behaviour of Cistus ladanifer L. (rock rose), a Cistaceous species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Ba sin, was studied in a central Spanish population under controlled cond itions. No correlation between seed moisture content and germination w as found. Great variability in germination was found among seeds of th e population studied, not only between seeds belonging to different mo ther plants, but also between those collected from different capsules on the same plant. In most cases, seeds preheated at 100 degrees C for 30 minutes showed a significant increase in germination. This germina tion behaviour is related to fire regimes as this plant is a typical s hrubby element of the mediterranean shrublands. Percent germination di d not vary significantly after several months of seed storage at room temperature. In the same way, no difference was found in final germina tion percentage of seeds stored under room temperature vs. seeds store d under cold conditions.