Seed and early plantlet structure of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica

Abstract

Seeds from mature fruits of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica deposited in the intertidal zone by sea surface currents revealed an advanced state of embryo development. The fruit dehisces by three longitudinal openings, which originate from the base or point of fruit attachment. Within the fruit the seed is positioned with its radical end at the fruit base, and the apical or plumular end protected until the seed is completely released. Structural observations of the collected mature seeds suggest the possible onset of germination. The mature seed is characterized by an enlarged hypocotyl with abundant starch reserves, a well-defined vascular system with a predominant central vascular strand to mobilize those reserves, a well-developed plumule, and root system initials, which will assure anchorage to the sea floor. Thus, within the dispersal unit, the future plant organs and growing points are well established and the carbohydrate-rich endosperm will assure the availability of sufficient nutrient supplies for short-term development of the seedling.