Summary
Experiments are described which demonstrate that the seeds of the desert species Blepharis persica are capable of germinating within 50 min of being exposed to moisture. Their radicles reach a length of about 49 mm within the first 24 h from wetting. The seeds can germinate in light and dark at temperatures ranging from less than 10° C to more than 40° C. The importance of these facts for survival are discussed.
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Literature
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Gutterman, Y. Delayed seed dispersal and rapid germination as survival mechanisms of the desert plant Blepharis persica (Burm.) kuntze. Oecologia 10, 145–149 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347986
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347986