The seed coat of Trifolium repens L. was studied with special emphasis on the development of the strophiole, which is the site for water entry during imbibition in leguminous seeds. The epidermal cells of the strophiole are longer than the cells in the remainder of the seed epidermis in the mature ovule. During seed development the median cells of the strophiolar epidermis divide periclinally into an outer layer of palisade cells and an inner layer of isodiametric cells. Prior to maturity a fissure is formed between some of the palisade cells in the centre of the strophiole. It is suggested that tension develops between the palisade cells and the iso-diametrical cells during later maturation stages causing the formation of the fissure which it is believed functions in water uptake. It is indicated that the ‘light line’ is caused by alteration of cellulose microfibrillar orientation in palisade cell walls. It is confirmed that removal of the epicuticular wax from hard seeds by rinsing in absolute alcohol or hexane does not induce water imbibition. Only when seed coats are mechanically abraded do hard seeds germinate.
