RE POSIDONIA

Belzuncea, M., Navarrob, M.N. and Rapoporta, H.F. 2005. Seed and early plantlet 
structure of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Aquatic Botany 82,
269-283.

Abstract

Seeds from mature fruits of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica deposited
in the intertidal zone by sea surface currents revealed an advanced state of embryo
development. The fruit dehisces by three longitudinal openings, which originate from
the base or point of fruit attachment. Within the fruit the seed is positioned with
its radical end at the fruit base, and the apical or plumular end protected until the
seed is completely released. Structural observations of the collected mature seeds
suggest the possible onset of germination. The mature seed is characterized by an
enlarged hypocotyl with abundant starch reserves, a well-defined vascular system with
a predominant central vascular strand to mobilize those reserves, a well-developed
plumule, and root system initials, which will assure anchorage to the sea floor.
Thus, within the dispersal unit, the future plant organs and growing points are well
established and the carbohydrate-rich endosperm will assure the availability of
sufficient nutrient supplies for short-term development of the seedling.


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