recalcitrant seed A seed that cannot survive desiccation, so germinates instantly; its storage life is usually only a few days, rarely a few weeks. Most climaxtropical rain-forest tree species produce recalcitrant seeds and so must be stored as growing plants rather than seed. See gene bank. Compare orthodox seed.

recalcitrant seed A seed that remains viable for only a short time, often 1 year or less, even under conditions that are commonly conducive to longevity. Many tropical genera produce recalcitrant seeds and so must be stored in the growth phase (i.e. as growing plants) rather than as seeds. See GENE BANK.