In-vitro seed germination ofCalanthe sieboldii, an endangered orchid species

Immature seeds from unripe capsules ofCalanthe sieboldii, were sown on one of three sterilized media: MS; modified MSH [i.e., the inorganic salts of MS plus the organic elements of Schenk and Hildebrandt]; Hyponex. Germination and protocorm development occurred on the MS and MSH media within eight weeks, but percent germination was low. The addition of putrescine (1 mg L^-1) or adenine sulfate (25 mg L^-1) to the MSH medium enhanced germination. Resultant protocorms were subcultured on the Hyponex medium, where they developed into plantlets after 12 weeks of additional culture. Plantlets were then successfully transferred to community pots.