Seed Germination of North American Orchids. I. Native California and Related Species of Calypso, Epipactis, Goodyera, Piperia, and Platanthera

Abstract

Seeds of native California and related orchids were germinated in vitro on 5 basal media with 43 modifications. Germination periods extended from several weeks to almost 2 yr. Seeds from immature capsules germinated faster and in higher proportions than those from mature fruits. The most suitable media for orchid germination are those devised for the culture of barley embryos (Norstog) and a modified Curtis medium containing urea and calcium carbonate instead of ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate.