epigeal
Adjective
Meaning
Epigaeous.
Source: Webster's dictionaryRelated terms
Examples
Groups which contain both hypogeal and epigeal species include, for example, the Araucariaceae family of Southern Hemisphere conifers, citation the Fabaceae (pea family), and the genus Lilium (see Lily seed germination types ).
The frequently garden grown common bean - Phaseolus vulgaris - is epigeal while the closely related runner bean - Phaseolus coccineus - is hypogeal.
They are also capable of surviving if the seedling is clipped off, as meristem buds remain underground (with epigeal plants, the meristem is clipped off if the seedling is grazed).
Hypogeal plants have (on average) significantly larger seeds than epigeal ones.