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Abstract <p><i>Bunium paucifolium</i> and <i>Elwendia cylindrica</i> (Apiaceae) are perennial herbs of medicinal and nutritional value that inhabit contrasting climates, the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean regions, respectively. Formerly classified within <i>Bunium</i>, recent taxonomic revisions have separated them based on morphological, molecular, and geographical evidence. This study examined their seed germination ecology and dormancy class to better understand how habitat differences shape regeneration strategies. Seeds of both species were fully dormant but readily imbibed water and contained small underdeveloped embryos at the stylopodium end. In <i>B. paucifolium</i>, embryos were spatulate monocotyledonous (0.33 mm), whereas <i>E. cylindrica</i> embryos were mainly linear dicotyledonous (98.3%) with rare tri- or tetracotyledonous forms (initially 0.83 mm). Only cold temperatures (≥10°C) promoted embryo growth, confirming complex morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Germination required critical embryo lengths of 2.2 mm (<i>B. paucifolium</i>) and 4.3 mm (<i>E. cylindrica</i>). Complete darkness enhanced <i>B.&#xa0;paucifolium</i> germination (96.4 vs. 39.6% under light/dark), while GA<sub>3</sub> and warm stratification were ineffective, indicating deep complex MPD. In contrast, <i>E. cylindrica</i> responded to GA<sub>3</sub>, and seeds stored dry at –22°C before incubation at 5°C reached 95.2% germination, pointing to intermediate complex MPD. These results highlight clear physiological divergence in dormancy and germination traits, reflecting the distinct ecological conditions of their native habitats. Understanding such species-specific regeneration strategies not only clarifies taxonomic boundaries but also supports conservation and sustainable use of these valuable medicinal plants.</p>

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Unraveling Divergent Morphophysiological Dormancy Strategies in Bunium paucifolium and Elwendia cylindrica Seeds (Apiaceae)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月23日

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  • H. Rahimi,
  • H. Rahimi,
  • F. Rezanejad,
  • S. A. Ayatollahi

摘要

Abstract

Bunium paucifolium and Elwendia cylindrica (Apiaceae) are perennial herbs of medicinal and nutritional value that inhabit contrasting climates, the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean regions, respectively. Formerly classified within Bunium, recent taxonomic revisions have separated them based on morphological, molecular, and geographical evidence. This study examined their seed germination ecology and dormancy class to better understand how habitat differences shape regeneration strategies. Seeds of both species were fully dormant but readily imbibed water and contained small underdeveloped embryos at the stylopodium end. In B. paucifolium, embryos were spatulate monocotyledonous (0.33 mm), whereas E. cylindrica embryos were mainly linear dicotyledonous (98.3%) with rare tri- or tetracotyledonous forms (initially 0.83 mm). Only cold temperatures (≥10°C) promoted embryo growth, confirming complex morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Germination required critical embryo lengths of 2.2 mm (B. paucifolium) and 4.3 mm (E. cylindrica). Complete darkness enhanced B. paucifolium germination (96.4 vs. 39.6% under light/dark), while GA3 and warm stratification were ineffective, indicating deep complex MPD. In contrast, E. cylindrica responded to GA3, and seeds stored dry at –22°C before incubation at 5°C reached 95.2% germination, pointing to intermediate complex MPD. These results highlight clear physiological divergence in dormancy and germination traits, reflecting the distinct ecological conditions of their native habitats. Understanding such species-specific regeneration strategies not only clarifies taxonomic boundaries but also supports conservation and sustainable use of these valuable medicinal plants.