Abstract
This study was carried out to ascertain the mechanism and favourable condition of germination of some palms (Livistona chinensis, Phoenix roebelenii and Sabal species) in 1966 through 1969. The results obtained are as follows:
1) The seed of Livistona chinensis is very easy to germinate. The cotyledon elongates to develop outside the seed at a certain distance, but the edge of it attached at seed. The seed of Phoenix roebelenii is the smallest one in the genus of Phoenix and the pattern of germination is close to that of Canary palm dealt with in the previous paper. The seed of Sabal palmetto has a solid endosperm tissue, and shows elongation of the cotyledon in the distant position from seed.
2) The optimum temperature for germination is about 30°C in Livistona chinensis and Phoenix roebelenii, while about 25°C in Sabal palmetto. These palms showed the percentage of germination above 90.
3) The seed of Livistona chinensis germinate very well in vermiculite, while the seed of Phoenix roebelenii germinate well in every soil examined. Sabal palmetto shows poor germination in clayey soil at 35°C.
4) The least days for germination are 12 in Livistona chinensis, 25 in Phoenix roebelenii and 14 in Sabal palmetto respectively.
5) There is no prerequirement for seed germination in Livistona chinensis, Phoenix roebelenii and Sabal palmetto although Sabal minor needs some months for after-ripening. The germinability of seed in Sabal minor lasts about one year in the room storage, although it lengthens about two years and eight months in the refrigerator storage (3-5°C).
