Seed morphology and germination characteristics in three Garcinia species

Determining seed storage behaviour and planning suitable short- and long-term conservation strategies for genetic resources of many tropical tree species necessitates the understanding of seed morphology and seed biology. Three economically important species out of 35 Indian Garcinia species, bearing edible and medicinally valued fruits namely G. indica, G. cambogia and G. xanthochymus, were taken up for detailed studies on seed morphology and germination characteristics. The absence of differentiated embryo, endosperm or embryonic axis indicated that the so called "seed" is not a true seed. Germination characteristics of "seed" showed the clear cut presence of polarity in all the three species. Regeneration of multiple seedlings from whole seed and seed pieces further indicated the apomictic nature of seed. Based on seed characteristics and field examination of natural and raised populations, facultative agamospermy in G. indica and G. cambogia and obligate agamospermy in G. xanthochymus is indicated.