| The numbers of cataphylls and embryonic green leaves of each bud were recorded after manual dissection under a stereomicroscope. |
| Fungal spores were removed from the soil matrix for identification using tweezers under a stereomicroscope. |
| The drawings were made on a homogeneous paper using a camera lucida fitted on a stereomicroscope. |
| Photographs were taken using a Nikon SMZ-U stereomicroscope with the diaphragm half open. |
| The length and width of anthers were measured with a micrometer under a stereomicroscope. |
| Germination was also assayed after removal of the seed coat under a stereomicroscope by scratching the seeds carefully with two needles. |
