Abstract
SummaryThe structure and behaviour of seedlings of the geophyte Ixiolirion tataricum has been studied. Germination is hypogeal. The cotyledon consists of a haustorium, an elongated stalk and a basal sheath. Germination takes place at or near the soil surface. By a process of ‘lowering’ the plumular bud reaches its appropriate depth in the soil. Lowering occurs in three successive stages: preliminary lowering by downward growth of the basal sheath, followed by growth of the bud carrying first leaf into a tunnel formed within the outer cortex of the primary root. In the second enlargement of the tunnel is the result of growth contraction of the internal core of the root (core = inner cortex + central cylinder), while in the third stage a wide space is formed within the outer cortex by disintegration of parenchyma cells of the inner cortex. The remaining central cylinder is then pushed in front of the advancing first leaf within this root tunnel.
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