Objective: To study the embryonic development of Gentiana straminea, G. robusta, G. crassicaulis and G. tibetica.
Methods: The seed germination rates, length and width of embryos, starch grains and chloroplasts were observed and analyzed by statistic software.
Results: The seed germination rates of the four species were all high. The increase of the length of embryo depended mainly on the increase of the length of hypocotyl. Starch grains were stored in cells and chloroplasts appeared in cotyledons. The process of germination was divided into eight periods.
Conclusion: The embryo growth characteristics of the four species are recognized, and the results can be used to study the in situ conservation, genetic breeding and cultivation of Sect. Cruciata.