This book about seeds focuses upon their two most important functions - dormancy and germination. The topics to be covered include the types of dormancy, theories of the relationship between dormancy and germination, the timing of germination, the various factors that control germination, and the general aspects of germination in different sorts of habitats. * Provides information on over 3500 species of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants * * Gives guidelines for doing ecologically meaningful germination studies