Leptadenia pyrotechnica

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? The seeds present no inherent problems in storage or germination. However, if they have not been properly dried and stored under optimal conditions, storage life and viability will be reduced.

Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage

This species most probably has Orthodox seeds (based on other species in the same genus and other members of the same family) - dry to 15-20% eRH and store at -20ºC, or as cool as possible.

Germination Requirements

Germinate on agar, germination paper or sand at 25 or 35ºC.

The seeds of this species do not display dormancy (inferred from available information on germination and of characteristics of seeds in this family).

Seed Morphology

Leptadenia pyrotechnica
(Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Taxonomy

Family: ASCLEPIADACEAE

Accepted name: Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.

Synonyms: Leptadenia spartium Wight & Arn., Leptadenia jacquemontiana Decne., Leptadenia gracilis Decne., Cynanchum pyrotechnicum Forssk., Microloma pyrotechnicum (Forssk.) Spreng., Sarcostemma pyrotechnicum (Forssk.) Schult.

Common name:

References and Links

Baskin, C.C. and Baskin J.M. (1998). Seeds: ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and germination. Academic Press, USA.
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: Leptadenia pyrotechnica.
SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK: Leptadenia pyrotechnica.
Tropicos - Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Leptadenia pyrotechnica.