Germination of Cassia italica from Saudi Arabia PDF

Keywords

evergreen, germination, seeds

Abstract

Cassia italica, an evergreen under-shrub, is widely distributed in Saudi Arabia, and is used extensively as a medicinal plant. It is associated with depressions and water runnels. Germination was found to be dependent on scarification of the seed-coat, a process which could be achieved in the laboratory by acid treatment. The seeds germinated rapidly to high percentages over a wide range of alternating temperatures. Germination was also tested with various concentrations of seawater, under two fluctuating temperature regimes. The seeds germinated in salinities higher than those encountered by and tolerated by adult plants in their natural habitat.