Germination behaviour of seeds of the New Zealand woody species Alectryon excelsus, Corynocarpus laevigatus, and Kunzea ericoides

Abstract

Germination rates, percentage germination success, and phenomena related to germination delay were determined for seeds of Alectryon excelsus, Corynocarpus laevigatus, and Kunzea ericoides, taken from freshly collected fruit. The experimental treatments simulated natural conditions that the seeds could experience after dispersal.

In a treatment where seeds were cleaned and kept moist, in the light, germination success was 94% for Corynocarpus and 100% for Kunzea but only 48–56% for Alectryon. Seeds of each species germinated moderately to very well (50–100%) on soil and (except Alectryon) in the dark. The seedlings of the large-seeded Alectryon (seeds at 5 cm depth) and Corynocarpus (5 and 10 cm depth) reached the surface when seeds were buried in soil. Buried seeds of Kunzea (5 cm depth) germinated and the seedlings died underground. After seeds were kept dry for c. 5 months those of Kunzea germinated well (92%), those of Alectryon moderately well (58%), and those of Corynocarpus poorly (10%).

The seed germination behaviour of the three species accords quite well with the habitat conditions in which juveniles and adults are found.

Keywords:

• seeds
• germination tests
• simulating nature
• winter germination