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Seeds of Hibiscus esculentum were analyzed for growth, in terms of fresh and dry weights, cell size, water content, reducing and non-reducing sugars and acid invertase activity. On the basis of growth analysis seed development is divided into four distinct phases of a) cell division, d) cell elongation, c) dry matter accumulation and, d) maturation. A close parallel with water content and cell size was observed. A peak level of reducing sugars was observed during the rapid elongation growth. The role of invertase in hydrolyzing sugars and its regulation of sink development is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]