Physical dormancy and histological features of seeds of five Acacia species (Fabaceae) from xerophytic forests in central Argentina

Physical dormancy (impermeability of seed coats to water) is related to histological features of the seed coat. This mechanism has ecological importance since it determines the time and space of germination. The aim of the present study was to compare the histology and impermeability of the seed coat in five Neotropical Acacia species from xerophytic forests of central Argentina: Acacia aroma, A. caven, A. atramentaria, A. gilliesii and A. praecox. An imbibition experiment was performed to determine the presence or absence of physical dormancy. Seed coat structure was studied through histochemical analysis. The seeds of A. gilliesii and A. praecox were treated with ammonium ferrous sulfate to identify the sites of water entry. Acacia aroma, A. caven and A. atramentaria exhibited physical dormancy; the seed coat was very thick and compact, with a wide, sclerified parenchyma and a “water gap” for water uptake. Seed coat impermeability in these species was mainly attributed to characteristics of the lignified epidermis. By contrast, A. gilliesii and A. praecox did not have physical dormancy and showed thin seed coats with a much narrower sclerified parenchyma. Water entered the seeds of A. gilliesii and A. praecox not only through the hilar zone but also through the entire surface of the seed coat. Differences in the seed coat structure among species could be related to different regenerative responses to environmental conditions that would facilitate the coexistence of these Acacia species in the xerophytic forests of Córdoba, Argentina.