Experiments on the seed germination of three kinds of palms (Areca catechu, Caryota mitis and Roystonea regia) were carried out in 1967.
1. The seed of Areca catechu is covered with fibrous coat, and its embryo is situated at the bottom of seed. The tissue of seed coat penetrates into the portion of endosperm. The embryo of the other two palms is situated in the upper lateral portion of seed. The tissue of endosperm of Roystonea regia is homogenous, but that of Caryota mitis is not.
2. A small tongue-like cotyledon elongates at a position close to the seed at the germination of Areca catechu and Roystonea regia, while a tubulous cotyledon elongates at a distant position from the seed in Caryota mitis.
3. The germination percentage was 38, 70 and 50 in Areca, Caryota and Roystonea respectively.
4. The smallest number of days from planting to germination of seed under the most favourable condition was 34, 30 and 8 in Areca, Caryota and Roystonea, respectively.
5. The optimum temperature for seed germination was 25-30°C in Areca, and 30°C in Caryota and Roystonea.
6. Vermiculite was favourable for the germination bed of Areca and Caryota seed, while clay loam was better for Roystonea seed.