Lily seed germination types (original) (raw)

Lilies seed germination is classified as either epigeal or hypogeal. These classifications may be further refined as immediate or delayed. Whether a lily is epigeal or hypogeal may be related to survival strategies developed according to the climate where the lily originated. Epigeal lilies evolved in moderate climates. Hypogeal lilies evolved in harsher habitats where it would be advantageous to store food in a bulb, and later send up leaves in the spring.