Abstract
We studied the resource allocation process of a large viviparous seed species, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, during seedling establishment, to clarify the ecological significance of large storage resources in the propagule in mangrove forest. The propagule contained high content of starch in the hypocotyl (51.6 % of the total 7.25 g mean dry weight of the hypocotyl) and a little glucose and fructose. The starch content was evenly distributed in the hypocotyl, except the top and bottom ends, where the content was lower. The hypocotyl starch was gradually consumed after they start rooting. By the time the first pair of leaves appeared (the 30 days after planting) 1/3 of total starch disappeared. The dry weight of the roots and leaves increased consistently and the weight of the both organs seemed almost same. The hypocotyl starch was completely exhausted by the 120 days after planting. The dry weight of new organs did not stop increasing throughout the experiment. Although only 1/3 of hypocotyl starch was necessary to initiate first pair of leaves, consumption of the storage reserves were continuously consumed for the development of leaves and roots. This suggests that the large amount of storage resources in the propagule of B. gymnorrhiza is necessary for the growth during rather long after they start rooting, and help a seedling to recover from herbivory and physical damage, which are frequent in mangrove environment.
