Seed dormancy and germination in Melicytus ramiflorus (Violaceae)

The effects were studied of scarification (concentrated sulphuric acid for up to 5 min), leaching (for up to 2 h), stratification, and storage environ ment on germination of seed of the New Zealand endemic tree Melicytus ramif lorus. Seeds that were incubated immediately after extraction from mature f ruits germinated readily (87%), and leaching did not further enhance germin ation. Acid scarification only reduced germination percentage while increas ing germination rate. Air-dried seed also germinated well (> 80%) once tran sferred to a moist incubation environment. Germination occurred in seed str atified in the light but not in darkness. The possible significance of harv est date on the presence of germination inhibitors is discussed.