1964 年 14 巻 2 号 p. 57-61
The effects of the seed coverings on water absorption of the seeds of beach plants, which are considered as xerophytes (Elymus mollis, Carex kobomugi, Carex pumila and Glehnia littoralis), were investigated in comparison with the seeds of the mesophytic ruderal grasses (Agropyron tsukushiense and Bromus catharticus) and of a mountain sedge (Carex albata). When the seeds with covering absorbed a little water, the water uptake of the beach plant seeds is favoured by the presence of their seed coverings. In the case of which water was sufficiently given to the seeds, there is little influence of the seed covering on the water uptake of the seeds. As for the seeds covered with a low moisture content, the moisture content of the seed covering is less than one of the proper seed. While, the covered seeds which sufficiently absorbed water increase remarkably in moisture content of the seed covering, and the seeds of beach plants display a very high value of the ratio of the seed covering to the proper seed in total amount of moisture as compared with ones of the mesophytes, and their seed coverings have a high water absorbing capacity. As for the structure of the seed covering, the beach plants are fit for absorption of water.