The Causes of the Germinative Processes of Seeds

Abstract

ONE of the most remarkable phenomena of vegetable life is the occurrence in its cycle of a resting period of varying duration, a period during which the vital functions seem entirely suspended or dormant, and the condition of the organism is hardly distinguishable from death. This stage is most common in connection with the reproductive processes, and can be seen to belong to the constitution of both spores and seeds. The more highly differentiated the structure which shows it, the more prolonged, apparently, can be this resting period, but sooner or later it gives place to the resumption of growth and vital activities.