SEED-GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF CAREX-DOENITZII GROWING ON ALPINE ZONE OF MT FUJI

Carex doenitzii on the upper timberline of Mt. Fuji were studied to determine the effect of thermal conditions on their seed germination and seedling growth. Mature seeds collected at the end of the growing season were divided into five test groups, and each was germinated at constant temperature, the temperatures being 15 C, 20 C, 25 C, 30 C and 35 C. Seed germination percentage was highest (93%) at 25 C. Seedlings germinated at 25 C were grown in chambers at 15/10 C, 25/20 C and 35/30 C. Growth of seedlings was greatest at 25/20 C. The data suggest that the seed germination and seedling growth of C. doenitzii occur only under limited conditions in the field.