Silene baccifera (L.) Roth, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Silene, is a perennial herb that grows naturally in mountainous and field areas throughout Korea. The young shoots are edible, the whole plant is used medicinally, and the small star-shaped flowers have high ornamental value. Although this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) in the Korean Red List, studies on propagation and basic physiological information remain insufficient. This study was conducted to establish a foundation for propagation using seeds and to elucidate germination characteristics. Seed dissection revealed that the embryo was fully developed and of the peripheral type according to Martin’s classification, indicating the absence of morphological dormancy (MD). A 72-hour imbibition test showed a water permeability was 39.8 ± 2.26%, indicating the absence of physical dormancy (PY). The optimum germination temperatures were 20/10 °C and 25/15 °C, showing high germination percentage of 86.6% and 81.6%, respectively. As a result of GA3 treatments (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg·L-1), the final germination percentage at 15/6 °C with GA3 1000 mg·L-1 was 47.6 ± 6.7%, compared with only 5.06 ± 2.9% in the control. Therefore, it is concluded that S. baccifera seeds possess physiological dormancy (PD). The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the systematic development of propagation and long-term conservation strategies for Silene baccifera.

Gueldenstaedtia verna (Georgi) Boriss., a rare legume species native to limited parts of Korea, was studied to investigate its seed dormancy type and optimal conditions for its germination. Morphological and anatomical observations confirmed that the seeds possess a fully developed foliate-bent embryo and a hard, colliculate yellow seed coat. Water imbibition tests showed only a 5.1 ± 2.6% increase in seed weight after 72 h, indicating the occurrence of physical dormancy due to an impermeable seed coat. No germination occurred under any constant or alternating temperature regimes (4, 15/6, 20/10, or 25/15°C) in non-scarified seeds, nor under two seasonal simulation regimes (Move A: from winter to summer; Move B: from summer to winter). However, scarification of seeds (using sandpaper, a needle prick [0.1 mm depth], or sulfuric acid) significantly improved germination. Seeds scarified with sandpaper or a needle prick achieved 100% germination within 1 week at 25/15°C, while sulfuric acid treatments (5 and 10 min) resulted in germination rates of 13.3% and 58.3%, respectively. These results confirm that G. verna seeds exhibit physical dormancy only and require scarification for immediate germination, with relatively high temperatures (25/15°C) being most effective. These findings deepen our understanding of the seed ecology of this rare species and provide useful insights for its conservation and potential horticultural application.