Macrotyloma geocarpum

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

Macrotyloma geocarpum (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage

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

Germination Requirements

The seeds of this species may be Physically Dormant (based on members of the same family). Chip the seed coat with a scalpel before placing under germination conditions.

Germinate on agar, germination paper (between paper or top of paper) or sand at constant temperatures of 35ºC. It may be necessary to wash the seeds in a solution of saturated calcium hypochloride for 5 mins before chipping and sowing, to prevent fungal contamination during germination.

Seed Morphology

Macrotyloma geocarpum
(Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Taxonomy

Family: LEGUMINOSAE-PAPILIONOIDEAE

Accepted name: Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet

Synonyms: Kerstingiella geocarpa Harms

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.
International Seed Testing Association (2010). International Rules for Seed Testing: edition 2010. ISTA, Bassersdorf, Switzerland.

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