Xu J T
Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 1989 Aug;11(4):237-41.
Seeds of G. elata are strongly reduced small structures. They lack nutrient tissues entirely. A small embryo is surrounded by a single-layered seed coat with a very loose structure. Digestion of certain kinds of fungi (Mycena osmundicola, etc) which have invaded the embryonic cells provides the necessary nutrition to sprout. Protocorms obtain their nutrition from invading Armillaria mellea and then go on to vegetative propagation, becoming small, white G. elata within a year. The commercial arrow G. elata can be obtained late in the year. Over the winter, it will bud, blossom and bear fruit, following in the next year. Taking three years to complete its life cycle, G. elasta depends upon the digestion of certain kinds of fungi----Mycena osmundicola, A. mellea, etc.
天麻种子是高度退化的微小结构。它们完全没有营养组织。一个小胚被结构非常疏松的单层种皮所包围。侵入胚细胞的某些种类真菌（如蜜环菌等）的消化作用为种子萌发提供了必要的营养。原球茎从侵入的蜜环菌获取营养，然后进行营养繁殖，一年内长成小的白色天麻。商品天麻在当年晚些时候可收获。越冬后，它会发芽、开花并结果，次年成熟。天麻需要三年完成其生命周期，它依赖于某些种类真菌——如蜜环菌、小菇等的消化作用。
