Germination of Anastatica hierochuntica from Saudi Arabia PDF

Keywords

Saudi Arabia, germination, botany

Abstract

Anastatica hierochuntica is an annual plant which is widely distributed in Saudi Arabia and is associated with habitats where runoff water collects. The seeds of A. hierochuntica do not have genetically fixed innate dormancy to offset the possibility of population extinction owing to complete germination followed by complete mortality under desert conditions. However, laboratory and field experiments showed that the regulation of germination by hydration of the woody persistent pods of the indurated fruiting plant links germination to the time when abundant water is available and restricts the distribution of the species to habitats which normally receive abundant runoff water so that successful subsequent seedling establishment is possible. Dissemination is delayed until adequate moisture is available during the rainy season. The wide amplitude of A. hierochuntica with regard to its germination temperature responses, coupled with the synchronization of germination with the season of optimal conditions, contribute to its success and wide distribution in Saudi Arabia. The salt tolerance of A. hierochuntica is affected by temperature. When moisture and temperature conditions are favourable, its seeds are capable of germination in salinities greater than those encountered by, and tolerated by, the adult plants.