Showing papers on "Seedling published in 1980"

The structure and reproduction of corn

Abstract: A Note from the Publisher Objectives Description and Botanical Relationship Contrast of Maydeae and Andropogoneae Origin of Corn The Life Cycle of Corn Development and Structure of Vegetative Parts The Kernel or Seed Seed Germination and Seedling Development The Root System Initials of root tissues Differentiation of root tissues Origin of root branches The Stem Internodes Nodes The Leaf Leaves of the embryo Leaves of the seedling and mature plant Parts of a leaf Development of the sheath and blade of the leaf Arrangement of tissue The epidermis Distribution of stomata Origin and development of stomata Development and Structure of the Reproductive Organs Development of Tassel and Staminate Spikelets Differentiation of tissues Reduction-division Microspores or pollen grains Shedding of pollen Amount of pollen produced Development of the Ear Shoot and Pistillate Inflorescence Differentiation of the tissues Reduction-division Development of the embryo sac Reproduction and Kernel Development Pollination and Germination of Pollen Fertilization Development of the Endosperm The Antipodal Cells in Later Stages of Kernel Development Development of the Embryo The Mature Kernel Inheritance in Corn Genes Xenia Maternal Inheritance Chromosomal Aberrations Inbreeding and Heterosis Corn Breeding Breeding procedure Hybrid seed production Literature Cited Index

Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Affect Lowland Tropical Rain Forest Plant Growth

Abstract: In experiments with plants grown in pots, vesicular—arbuscular mycorrhizal increased seedling growth of 23 to 28 species from a lowland tropical rain forest region. Mycorrhizae improved survival in six species and cotyledon retention in five species. Mycorrhizae also increased the size of bacterial nodules and the proportion of nodulated plants among three leguminous species. Growth of seedlings lacking mycorrhizae slowed greatly or ceased after attainment of sizes correlated with average seed dry mass. Removing cotyledons from individuals of two species that are dependent on mycorrhizae, however, did not increase their response to inoculation. Thus, seed reserves are important for mycorrhiza formation as well as for seedling growth before infection. Large seeds are advantageous to plants that depend on vesicular—arbuscular mycorrhizae because they provide mineral reserves upon which the seedling can draw while awaiting infection. Seedlings of some species could not grow without mycorrhizae, but inoculation did not affect the growth of other species. Species that are least dependent on mycorrhizae have light seeds and colonize disturbed habitats.

Plant reproduction in a high arctic environment

Abstract: Studies of flowering, germination, and seedling survival were conducted in various stable and unstable soil (surface scraped and surface tilled) sites on King Christian Island, N.W.T., Canada. Although most species flowered, few set seed in 1973 or 1974. Germination was slow (3 to 6 wk), occurring only after spring snowmelt or summer rains when there were thin films of standing water. Field

Germination and seedling growth under anaerobic conditions in Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass).

Abstract: Although rice has long been recognized to be uniquely adapted for growth in low oxygen environments of flooded rice fields, rice weeds of the Echinochloa crus-galli complex appear to be at least as well specialized for germination and growth under such unusual biological conditions. Seeds of two varieties of E. crus-galli germinate and grow for prolonged periods in a totally oxygen-free environment. E. crus-galli germinates as well as rice (Oryza sativa) under a total nitrogen atmosphere and produces as large a seedling in spite of its much smaller seed size. Like rice, the seedlings of E. crus-galli are unpigmented, the primary leaves do not emerge from the coleoptile and no root growth occurs without oxygen. Of particular interest is the ultrastructure of mitochondria from anaerobically-grown seedlings. Mitochondrial profiles from the primary leaf of seedlings grown continuously in nitrogen are very similar to those grown aerobically. The size and shape of the mitochondria are similar and the cristae are numerous and normal in appearance. This is in sharp contrast to previous studies of other species which have reported that mitochondria were vesiculate and tended to lose their normal fine-structure after similar periods without oxygen. Finally, based on ultrastructure and 14C labeling studies, anaerobically-grown seedlings are highly active metabolically, which may explain, at least for E. crus-galli var. oryzicola, its ability to germinate and emerge from flooded rice fields.

An evaluation of seed and seedling drought tolerance screening tests in wheat

Abstract: A series of experiments was performed in order to evaluate the significance of seed germination and seedling growth in osmotic media as screening methods for drought tolerance. Ten spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.) and one durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) were tested under controlled environments, using polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG) solutions as the moisture stress inducing media. Tolerance in the rate of endosperm utilization, under stress, prior to the onset of germination varied among cultivars. Germination rate or injury to germination at various concentrations of PEG differed significantly among cultivars. Cultivar rating with respect to injury to germination changed with stress levels. Injury to germination did not correlate with endosperm utilization rate in PEG or in water. Germinating seedlings were tolerant to extreme desiccation up to the stage of emergence of the first leaf from the coleoptile. Growth of photosynthesizing seedlings was monitored as they were carried through an increasing concentration gradient of PEG solutions, ranging from −5.9 to −11.3 bars of water potential. Cultivars significantly differed in seedling growth tolerance to increasing levels of water stress. Seedling growth tolerance across cultivars was not correlated with their germination responses under srress. It is concluded that tolerance to water stress in growing seedlings can be screened for by using PEG-containing nutrient solutions. It can not be predicted from germination tests in osmotica. Work was done under a US-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF) Grant no. 1654/78.

An appraisal of practical alternatives to legume seed inoculation: field experiments on seed bed inoculation with solid and liquid inoculants

Abstract: Ahst~~t Sixteen field experiments were conducted to assess whether inoculant applied as a liquid or in solid form separately from the seed but into the seed bed could be used as a substitute for conventional methods of legume seed inoculation. The experiments were done over a period of 8 years, on several soil types, with both crop and pasture legumes. Criteria used to measure response included success of the applied strain of rhizobia in forming nodules, quality of nodulation, seedling establishment, foliage dry matter production, and seed yield. Under favourable conditions for sowing, solid and liquid inoculants were generally as good as seed inoculation at similar total rates of application in promoting root nodulation and plant growth. However, when conditions were unfavourable for survival of rhizobia, e.g. when seed was dusted with toxic fungicide or when germination was delayed owing to environmental circumstances, solid or liquid inoculant gave better nodulation and very often better plant growth and seed yield than seed inoculation. The implications of these findings on alternatives to conventional seed inoculation and how they might be applied to agricultural practice are discussed.

Seed survival and periodicity of seedling emergence in some species of Atriplex, Chenopodium, Polygonum and Rumex

Abstract: SUMMARY Seeds or fruits of 10 weed species were collected in each of 3 years and mixed with the top 7·5 cm of sterilised soil which was confined in cylinders sunk in the ground outdoors and cultivated three times yearly. The numbers of seedlings emerging were recorded for 5 yr and the numbers of viable seeds remaining then determined. Few, if any, seedlings of Atriplex, Chenopodium or Polygonum spp. emerged in the autumn of sowing; the main emergence was consistently in March–May (A. hastata, A. patula), April–May (P. lapathifolium, P. persicaria), April–June (C. polyspermum), May–June (C. rubrum) or June–August (C. hybridum). When sown before November, some seedlings of Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius and R. sanguineus appeared immediately. Most emerged in April in subsequent years. Seedling emergence was usually greatest in the first year; thereafter, with all species, seedling numbers decreased approximately exponentially from year to year. The mean numbers of seeds found to be viable after 5 yr ranged from 2·5% (R. sanguineus) to 16·6% (C. rubrum) of those sown.

Level of partial resistance to leaf rust, Puccinia hordei in West-European barley and how to select for it

Abstract: The partial resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia hordei) of 40 West-European spring barley cultivars was measured in plots isolated from one another to reduce inter plot interference. The leaf area affected by leaf rust was also measured in small plots of 0.5 m2 adjacent to each other, and on individual plants. The latent period was measured in the seedling stage and the adult plant stage, the infection frequency in the seedling stage only. The cultivars varied widely for partial resistance, many cultivars carrying a considerable level. Both the small adjacent plots and the single plants showed a marked inter plot interference strongly reducing the difference between cultivars. H wever, the ranking order of the cultivars was hardly, if at all, affected. Both latent period and the infection frequency showed large differences between cultivars, the latent period in the adult plant stage being highly correlated (r=0.82) with partial resistance, infection frequency in the seedling stage only rather weakly (r=−0.33). Selection for partial resistance appeared very effective in all stages tested; the seedling, the single adult plant, and the small plot stage. Selection in the small plot stage was the most effective followed by selection in the seedling stage. Selection for partial resistance therefore appears very well possible at all stages of the selection program.

The germination of four annual strand-line species

Abstract: Summary The germination of four strand-line annuals, Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex lacimata, Cakile maritima and Salsola kali, was studied in the field and laboratory. Germination in the field began approximately 1 month after the spring equinox. Thus, seedling establishment was not directly affected by high spring tides. The relative importance of the various biological and environmental factors influencing the timing of germination of these species is discussed. The effects on germination of salinity and temperature and various interactions between these two factors were characterized. From experiments designed to determine the nature of the inhibition of germination by saline solutions, it was concluded that, in the Atriplex spp., the inhibition was purely osmotic but, in C. maritima and S. kali, ionic toxicity is important. The potential for dispersal of strand-line species by sea-currents depends upon the buoyancy of the fruit and the ability of the seed to survive prolonged immersion in seawater. Laboratory experiments showed that the four species differed considerably in these characteristics.

Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on Douglas-fir nursery growth and survival after outplanting

Abstract: A 5N × 5P factorial fertilizer experiment was conducted on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seed beds at Campbell River nursery on northern Vancouver Island. Nutrient concentrations were measured in soil and seedlings. After 2 years of growth, trees were lifted from each treatment in mid-November and again in mid-February for storage. All were planted out in April and grown for 2 years. Seedling dry weight and height in the nursery were significantly affected by N fertilizer treatment, but not by P fertilizer, although seedling tissue P concentrations were low (0.09-0.17%) and available soil P was significantly increased by treatment. Largest seedlings resulted from application of 50-75 kg N/ha during the 1st year of growth and 100-150 kg N/ha during the 2nd year. Seedling dry weight was correlated with tissue N concentration (r = 0.73-0.75) and greatest dry weight was associated with a 1-0 shoot N or a 2-0 foliar N concentration of 2%. Survival and height 2 years after planting out were ...

Analysis of light-controlled accumulation of carotenoids in mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings.

Abstract: Carotenoid accumulation in the cotyledons of the mustard seedling (Sinapis alba L.) is controlled by light. Besides the stimulatory function of phytochrome in carotenogenesis the experiments reveal the significance of chlorophyll accumulation for the accumulation of larger amounts of acrotenoids. A specific blue light effect was not found. The data suggest that light exerts its control over carotenoid biogenesis through two separate mechanisms: A phytochrome regulation of enzyme levels before a postulated pool of free carotenoids, and a regulation by chlorophyll draining the pool by complex-formation.

Root configuration and root regeneration in pinus radiata seedlings

Abstract: Root configuration of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) seedlings in the nursery was examined in relation to nutrient supply, and the configuration of the regenerated root system after transplanting was examined in relation to seedling treatment and soil temperature. In the nursery an increase in shoot growth owing to high soil fertility was not accompanied by a similar response in root growth, resulting in a high shoot-root ratio. High soil fertility decreased mycorrhizas. Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies reduced the weights of the shoot and root but had little effect on root configuration. Changes in root weight can lead to faulty conclusions about root development. Even when nitrogen deficiency was extreme the root system possessed a remarkable ability to adjust the number and length of first and second order laterals, and so lessen the effect of stress on configuration. Similar, but lesser, effects were found under phosphorus deficiency. This ability may be important for the survival of seedlings in naturally regenerating forests. A decrease in the mean extension rate of root members seems to be the major reason for the reduction in root length in nutrient starved plants. The configuration of roots regenerated after transplanting is closely related to the initial configuration of the planting stock, the number and length of the first order laterals capable of regeneration being the most critical basic frame­ work for the new root network. However, the number of first order laterals appears to be not amenable to manipulation by nursery management practices. Radiata pine seedlings developed strategies to cope partly with the effects of nutrient deficiency or low temperature on root configuration.

A comparison of the relative naturalization ability of two Schinus species in southern California. I. Seed germination.

Abstract: NILSEN, E. T., and W. H. MULLER (Dept. Biol. Sci., Univ. of Calif., Santa Barbara, CA 93106). A comparison of the relative naturalization ability of two Schinus species in southern California. I: Seed germination. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 107: 51-56. 1980.-Two South American pepper trees, Schinus molle L. and Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, have been grown in Santa Barbara as ornamentals for at least 100 years. Yet only S. molle L. has become naturalized, even though both taxa are vigorous colonizers. Seed germination characteristics were studied for both species to determine a possible mechanism which inhibits the naturalization of S. terebinthifolius Raddi in southern California. Several germination characteristics were found to differ between these two species, such as relative cold tolerance, acid treatment requirements, and the time between imbibition and germination. The slow germination rate of S. terebinthifolius Raddi may inhibit establishment by not allowing germination and root development during the brief periods of ample soil moisture in southern California. An endogenous germination inhibition system of phenolic acids is suggested for both species. Research is continuing on relative seedling establishment, and the endogenous inhibition system.

Pressure chamber techniques for monitoring and evaluating seedling water status.

Abstract: Pros and cons of using the pressure chamber technique for evaluating seedling water status are presented. Safe use of the instrument, sample preparation, and proper operation to obtain the best possible data are emphasised. Guidelines for determining and interpreting water potential (\\jjw) levels are given for bare-root and planted seedlings. Results from two Oregon studies concerning the effect of water potential on seedlings show the pressure chamber to be extremely useful in monitoring ^ w at different stages of reforestation.

Effects of dehydration treatments on germination, seedling vigour, and cytoplasmic leakage in wild oats and birdsfoot trefoil

Abstract: The stage in germination at which birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L. cv. Carroll) seeds and wild oat (Avena fatua L.) embryos became sensitive to dehydration was determined using percent germination, seedling vigour, and cytoplasmic leakage as indicators of cellular damage. Dehydration of seeds or embryos in the early stages of germination did not impair the subsequent germination or vigour of the seedling. In addition, cytoplasmic leakage during rehydration remained low. Dehydration of wild oat embryos grown on a germinating medium for 24 h or of birdsfoot trefoil seeds 18 h after the start of imbibition resulted in decreased germination and vigour and increased cytoplasmic leakage during rehydration. Damage to sensitive birdsfoot trefoil seeds occurred only in samples dehydrated below 20% moisture. The increase in cytoplasmic leakage from damaged seeds presumably reflects a loss in membrane integrity as a result of dehydration which may contribute to the reduced germination and vigour of the seeds.

The importance of seed size in early growth of wild and domesticated cowpeas

Abstract: Domesticated cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) have larger seeds than their wild relatives. The effects of this increase in seed size on seedling emergence and growth were investigated. In shallow sowings, to 5 cm, seed size had no effect on emergence, but in deeper plantings ahigher proportion of the larger-seeded accessions emerged, and they emerged earlier than smaller-seeded accessions. The size of seedlings just after emergence was inversely related to depth of planting and directly related to seed size. The greater size of the seedlings of larger-seeded accessions was maintained until at least 40 days after sowing, despite the higher relative growth rates of smaller, wild seedlings. When compared at the same size there was no general difference in the growth rate of wild accessions and that of domesticates. During the evolution of domesticated cowpeas, large seeds have probably been advantageous because of their better emergence and establishment under agricultural conditions, and because of the greater size of plants arising from them.

Seed Protein and Nitrogen Effects Upon Seedling Vigor in Wheat1

Abstract: Seedling vigor appears to be enhanced by seed protein, but the influence of exogenous N supply and timing upon this effect have not been clearly established. Growth chamber and field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of seed protein and N upon seedling vigor of ‘Nugaines’ and ‘Wanser’ winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seed were obtained from a N fertility experiment, sieved into seven size classes, and analyzed for protein. Seed protein content varied from approximately 8 to 16%. Within each seed lot the largest seed had approximately a 2.5% higher protein percentage than the smallest seed. In growth chamber experiments seedling vigor was significantly increased by seed weight and percent protein. However, most of the variation was attributed to the amount of N in the seed and not to the percentage protein or seed weight per se. The addition of N sigoificantly increased seedling dry weight and N content, and promoted a significant two-fold increase in the shoot-to-root ratio. Differences in seedling vigor due to seed protein content were eliminated if adequate N was applied within the first 3 days of germination. Rate of emergence and grain yields in the field on a Palouse silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Pachic Ultic Haploxerolls) were not affected by seed protein content. However, large seed significantly increased the seedling emergence rate index and grain yields. Nitrogen application had no effect upon emergence rate which may have been due to the availability of high levels of soil N. Seed protein enhances seedling vigor (dry weight) if N is withheld for more than the first 3 days of germination, but apparently has no effect if adequate N is available during early stages of germination.

Spore germination in Hebeloma stimulated by living plant roots.

Abstract: Basidiospores from 14 strains ofHebeloma (Agaricales) representing 5 groups of mycorrhiza-forming species were tested for germination on a nutrient agar medium. Germination occurred in 13 strains but never exceeded 0.1%. A 10-fold increase or more in germination percentage was obtained in 4 out of 7 tested spore collections only by placing the growing root of a pine seedling among the spores on the agar medium.

Aspects of the population ecology of charlock.

Abstract: (1) An initial survey was made of the numbers of charlock plants in three permanent quadrats over a 3-year period in areas of increasing charlock density in an arable field. Plant size was positively correlated with plant density suggesting that, at densities of < 20 plants m-2, intra-specific competition did not operate. (2) Experimental plots were established with plant populations of charlock comparable to those in the field. The treatments were autumn or spring cultivation, presence or absence of cereal and zero, low or high charlock density. Plants and seedlings were counted continuously over 3 years and seed fall was estimated. (3) Maximum numbers of plants were established in autumn and in spring. The autumn populations arose from newly shed non-dormant seeds but were destroyed either by climate or cultivation. The spring population arose from dormant seeds after rain when soil temperature at 10 cm was above 4.4 'C. Climate was the major factor influencing plant population and reproductive capacity. Drought associated with high levels of radiation markedly reduced plant numbers and seed production in the second year. Charlock was suppressed by the presence of cereal but competitive effects were subsidiary to those of climate and cultivation. (4) Annual seedling emergence was found to be c. 2.50% of the seed population. Estimates from published data showed that the annual death rate of charlock seed in soil is c. 17-9%. (5) Using an exponential model it is possible to show that when potential parent plants are eliminated by herbicides, the viable buried seed population will be diminished by about one order of magnitude each decade, but will be restored by one reproductive season every 11 years.

Acid phosphatase isoenzymes of Brassica oleracea seedlings and their application to sib testing in F1 hybrids

Abstract: SUMMARY Crude extracts from cotyledons of 2-day-old seedlings were separated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels and stained for acid phosphatase. At least 22 bands were recognised, distributed over seven zones. Analysis of zone 1 allowed estimation of sib frequencies in 12 out of 19 hybrid cultivars. By applying either seedling zone 1 or acp-1 seed acid phosphatase analysis, sib estimates could be made in 15 of these hybrids. It is suggested that this technique offers a practical and rapid means of estimating sib frequencies in commercial seed stocks.

Stimulation of Common Cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum) and Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) Seed Germination by Injections of Ethylene into Soil

Abstract: The effects of ethylene upon germination of common cocklebur (Xantbium pensylvanicum Wallr.) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) seeds were studied. In laboratory tests with seeds in sealed flasks in the dark, 10 ,ul/L ethylene increased germination of redroot pigweed seeds from 7% to 52% at 30 C, and increased germination of large and small common cocklebur seeds from 30% and 0% to 100% and 90% respectively, at 25 C. At least 12 h of exposure to ethylene was necessary for appreciable stimulation of germination. In growth chamber studies with known numbers of seeds in pots of soil, ethylene at 11 kg/ha was injected into the soil, and the pots were enclosed in plastic bags for 24 h. One such injection at 2 weeks after planting, and successive injections at 2, 3, and 4 weeks, sig- nificantly increased redroot pigweed seedling emergence, and signifi- cantly decreased the numbers of dormant, viable seeds remaining in the soil. When pots were not enclosed, injections did not significantly effect redroot pigweed seeds, but significantly increased common cocklebur seedling emergence and decreased the number of viable com - mon cocklebur seeds remaining in the soil. Additional index words. Dormancy, seed viability, seed longevity, weed control.

Food Selection by Skylarks and Grazing Damage to Sugar Beet Seedlings

Abstract: (1) Skylarks foraging on sugar beet fields in spring fed on beetles, weed seeds and weed seedling cotyledons, but they also grazed crop seedlings sometimes causing economic damage. (2) Skylarks preferred to graze seedling species with high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Sugar beet seedlings growing in fields treated with carbamate pesticide aldicarb were less preferred relative to other seedling species than those in untreated fields. (3) The proportion of beetles and seeds in the birds' diet increased with the abundance of these foods and their tendency to graze seedlings declined with increasing weed seed density. (4) The rate at which individual skylarks grazed sugar beet seedlings declined with increasing weed seed but not weed seedling density. However, bird density tended to increase with weed seedling density. Since the densities of seeds and seedlings were closely correlated, the resulting relationship between damage intensity and weed populations was complex. (5) Changes in skylarks' feeding behaviour with changing food density tended to enhance their rate of energy intake. However, a requirement for a minimum intake of certain nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, may also have affected the birds' foraging strategy.

Variation in generation time in Frasera speciosa (Gentianaceae), a long-lived perennial monocarp

Abstract: The perennial monocarp Frasera speciosa (Gentianaceae) flowers at a wide range of sizes and ages with consequent variation in generation time (T), net replacement rate (R o) and intrinsic rate of increase (r). Values of r were calculated for hypothetical cohorts composed of individuals flowering at the same age. Maximum rates of r are achieved by plants which flower at the earliest possible age. Although older plants produce more flowers, this increase is not sufficient to compensate for the effect of increased T on r. Few plants in each population flower at the youngest possible age, and for the majority reproduction is delayed, generation times are longer and r lower than achieved by plants flowering at younger ages. Delayed reproduction may be favored by greater seed set, due to pollinator attraction to larger flower stalks, as well as broader seed dispersal which could increase the probability of seedling establishment. Delays greater than those observed may be selected against by decreasing probability of survival, a decrease in the rate of addition of flowers with increasing size, and slower transitions between leaf number classes in larger plants. Staggered reproduction by an individual's offspring, whether environmentally or genetically determined, has the effect of insuring survival in an environment with high variability in pollinator effectiveness (see d set), germination, and seedling establishment.

A comparison of the relative naturalizing ability of two Schinus species (Anacardiaceae) in southern California. II: Seedling establishment.

Abstract: NILSEN, E. T., and W. H. MULLER (Dept. Biol. Sci., Univ. California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106). A comparison of the relative naturalizing ability of two Schinus species (Anacardiaceae) in southern California. II: Seedling establishment. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 107: 232-237. 1980.-During the last 100-200 years two South American taxa, Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolius, have been grown as shade trees in southern California. Although both species have potential naturalizing ability, only S. molle has become naturalized in southern California. Seedling establishment characteristics were compared for both species to ascertain a possible mechanism preventing the naturalization of S. terebinthifolius. Based on the root to leaf area ratios, plant moisture content at permanent wilting, the ability of the plant to extract water from the soil, and leaf density, S. terebinthif ?lius was better adapted to drought. This species had a faster growth rate than S. molle and it allocated a greater portion of its photosynthate to root development. On the other hand, S. molle allocated more photosynthate to leaves and stem growth. Growth of both species was equally inhibited by low light intensities. Results of these growth experiments indicated that S. terebinthifolius seedlings may have a greater ability to become established in the Mediterranean growing season of southern California, and a greater ability to withstand the drought of the following dry season. Therefore, the mechanism which prevents the naturalization of S. terebinthifolius is most likely associated with another aspect of the life cycle, probably seed germination.