The germination ecology ofDysoxylum spectabile(Meliaceae)

Abstract

Environmental conditions promoting the germination and establishment of kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) are described. It was found that in the population examined, there was a very high level of seed viability and there was no evidence of dormancy. Seeds would germinate successfully in either the light or dark and seedlings could continue to grow for at least 18 weeks in the dark. The effect of different temperature regimes was examined and it was found that cooler temperatures slowed the rate of germination and seedling development. The role of leaf litter in seedling germination and establishment was examined. A covering of litter was found to be essential for successful establishment. Seeds that germinated on a substrate surface had a much reduced chance of survival.