Transfer physiology of vivipary in rhizophora mangle

The unique phenomenon of vivipary in mangroves, highly developed in the genus Rhizophora, impl ies an outstanding model for study of physiological interrelationships between the components of two 1 iving systems represented by a young developing plantlet which remains connected to its parent during a certain time. Centering the discussion on nutritional aspects, growth control and significance of vivipary, mainly based on original research, a new conceptual view of vivipary is presented. Vivipary represents only a short, temporary stage of embryonic development prior to protrusion of the hypocotyl, during which the embryo obtains the necessary nutrients for growth from the reserves in the endosperm. Once this source becomes exhausted, a shunt to a nearl y heterotroph i c "paras i t ic" stage in which the embryo util izes assimilation products suppl ied by the parent plant occurs.