Stones of
Cyathodes straminea (spreading cheeseberry) germinating at 5C after 95 weeks of incubation at various temperatures. These seedlings represent the seedbank's first breakthrough with a
Cyathodes collection. Tests at present (May 2012) are ongoing and further testing will be required to resolve what factors were crucial to elicit germination. Stone fruited Epacrids (Ericaceae) are an important component of Tasmania's flora with a fair proportion of them endemic. Germination of these plants however is very challenging with slow, sporadic and meager recruitment typically reported. With several stones cracking simultaneously prospects look good in understanding what gets
C. straminea seeds in the mood for sprouting. Hopefully it won't take another two years!For more information on the germination work we do and seed dormancy please visit
our seed conservation pages and check out the RTBG germination database.
