SEED-GERMINATION OF MEXICAN PODOSTEMACEAE

Laboratory studies of seed germination were conducted for five species of Podostemaceae from Mexico: Marathrum haenkeanum Engler, Marathrum rubrum Novelo & Philbrick, Oserya coulteriana Tul., Tristicha trifaria Bory ex Willd. Sprengl, Vanroyenella plumosa Novelo & Philbrick. This represents the first comparative study of seed germination for North American Podostemaceae. Germination occurred within 4 days when seeds were placed in water and under lights. Germination was greater-than-or -equal-to 95% after 9 days for all but one of the 11 collections exami ned. Seed placed in water but in the dark did not germinate. Marked in terspecific differences in seed germination were not observed. The bio logy of Podostemaceae is poorly known, especially the more cryptic sta ges such as seeds and seedlings.