Seed and seedling characteristics of the Himalayan hornbeam (Carpinus viminea Wall.), India

To study of seed and seedling characteristics, seeds of the Himalayan Hornbeam (Carpinus viminea Wall.) were collected from low and high-elevation sites during the peak maturation period. Paired t-tests indicated that seed weight, percentage of sound seeds, and germination were significantly greater for high-elevation seeds whereas seed moisture (%) was low. Seedling growth performance was better for high-elevation seeds than for those from low elevation. This indicates that environmental conditions at high elevation may favour germination and seedling growth of the species.