The seed development of a mycoheterotrophic orchid, Cyrtosia javanica Blume

BACKGROUND: Cyrtosia javanica is a rare, mycoheterotrophic vanilloid orchid native to the bamboo forest in central Taiwan. Like some vanilloid orchids, the seeds of C. javanica are hard and difficult to germinate in vitro. A better understanding of the embryology would provide insights in the propagation and conservation of this rare species. RESULTS: Based on the histological and histochemical studies, we observed some remarkable features in developing seeds of C. javanica. First, the developing embryos without a structurally defined suspensor; Second, the chalazal accessory cells have densely stained cytoplasms that are different from the adjacent cells of seed coat; Third, the multiple layers of seed coat with the lignified in the outermost cell layer of the outer seed coat. CONCLUSIONS: In C. javanica, the large and heavy seeds embedded in fresh fruits may adapt to the dispersal strategy. The hard seeds with lignified outer seed coat could provide a rigid protection during seed dispersal but also cause coat-imposed dormancy. This study provides insights in the seed coat structure and the hints of seed treatment methods. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-014-0044-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.