I am puzzled. Last yr. I collected a large number of spicebush (Lindera benzoin) seeds from shrubs in the area (I'm in northern VA, Appalachians). Some of them germinated w/out stratification and they all germinated epigeally, w/primary leaves appearing above the soil. Now, the second lot germinated in the spring after having been wintersowed outside all winter. A few are epigeal w/primary leaves above the soil, but most of these specimens have germinated hypogeally like peas w/the cotyledon below the soil and no primary leaves. How can there be hypo and epi germination w/in a species?

I have googled 'til the cows came home w/no luck.

Thanks for any input!