Type of germination in which the cotyledons are forced above the ground by elongation of the hypocotyl.

On or close to the surface of the ground (aboveground) as opposed to hypogeal (underground) and arboreal (tree-dwelling); compare lignicolous.

rest on the ground.

The germination is epigeal when the cotyledons will raise above the soil surface. Examples : most plants, Abies, Cupressus, Juniperus, Picea, Pinus, Taxus.

of germination, having the cotyledon(s) emerging from the seed coat and becoming photosynthetic. cf. hypogeal.