Botanical Nerd Word: Hypogeal germination

Hypogeal germination: Seed germination in which the cotyledons remain below the soil surface.*

The cotyledons (seed leaves) of peas stay below ground. The first thing to emerge from the soil are true leaves. Compare this type of germination to epigeal germination.

*Capon, B. (2005). Botany for gardeners (Revised ed.). Portland: Timber Press.