Somatic embryogenesis in the woody legume Calliandra tweedii

In vitro somatic embryogenesis was established from 1–1.2 cm long internodal and petiolar segments excised from 20-year-old woody legume, Calliandra tweedii Benth trees. Within 6–7 weeks, globular, heart, torpedo-shaped and dicot embryos differentiated directly. Among the cytokinins and auxins tested, 1 M 2iP in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium induced well-organized normal embryos in 71% of the internodal segments. Petiolar explants responded best on 0.5 M NAA wherein 30% of the cultures developed normal embryos. Somatic embryos developed roots and shoots when they were retained for 90 days in old desiccated MS medium. Plants ready for transfer to soil were regenerated through somatic embryogenesis in 4–5 months. These grew well after transfer to soil.