Pomaderris elliptica seed

Опис:

Sample of Pomaderris elliptica seed showing the white elaisome characteristic for this genus. The elaisome helps in the dispersal of the seed. Ants collect such seeds, eat the elaisome and then later dispose of the seed. In this way the seed is often moved quite some distance.Like many members of the Rhamnaceae, Pomaderris exhibits physical dormancy (hard seededness) which prevents water entering the seed. To promote germination the seeds are placed under a dissection microscope and a small piece of the seed coat removed with a scalpel. This can be a tricky task as these seeds are about 2mm long.