1. of or relating to plant germination in which the cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge above the soil surface
Usage: botany; also spelled 'epigean'

Examples

• Beans exhibit epigeal germination, with their cotyledons pushing through the soil.
• In epigeal seeds, the seed coat is often shed as the seedling emerges.
• Sunflowers are an example of plants with epigeal development.
• The epigeal type of germination exposes the cotyledons to light early in growth.
• Unlike hypogeal seeds, epigeal seeds bring their food reserves above ground.