SEED DEVELOPMENT AND SEED PROPAGATION OF <i>RHODODENDRON</i> SPECIES IN ST. PETERSBURG
Seed propagation is one of the main methods of Rhododendron planting stock. Obtaining of the seeds from introduced plants (native reproduction) is very important for successful introduction. Seed structure and development in R. schlippenbachii and R. luteum are characteristic for the genus Rhododendron. But some fruit and seeds with various deviations from typical structure were found out, too. Heterospermy is characteristic for these species. The differences manifest both in appearance and size and in the structure of seeds. Distribution of seeds by size grades and amount and character of deviations vary from year to year and between the plant specimens.