Hibiscus aponeurus

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? The seeds have physical dormancy, which can be overcome by scarifying the seed coat to allow water uptake and encourage germination.

Hibiscus aponeurus (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage

This species most probably has Orthodox seeds - dry to 15-20% eRH and store at -20ºC, or as cool as possible.

Germination Requirements

The seeds of this species are expected to be Physically Dormant (based on other species in the same genus). To overcome dormancy, chip the seed coat with a scalpel before placing under germination conditions.

Germinate on agar, germination paper or sand, under an alternating temperature regime of 35/20ºC (with an 8/16hr photoperiod). It may be necessary to wash the seeds in 10% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 mins before sowing, to prevent fungal contamination during germination.

Seed Morphology

Taxonomy

Family: MALVACEAE

Accepted name: Hibiscus aponeurus Sprague & Hutch.

Synonyms: Hibiscus barbosae Exell

Common name:

References and Links

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (1994). Genebank Standards. FAO/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.

AFPD (African Flowering Plants Database) - Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland, and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, RSA: Hibiscus aponeurus.
PROTAbase (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa) - Wageningen, Netherlands: Hibiscus aponeurus.
SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK: Hibiscus aponeurus.
Tropicos- Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Hibiscus aponeurus.