Abstract: Erythrophloeum fordii is one kind of protected and rare trees in our country. It has special economic value. The percentage of hard seeds in E. fordii is very high. Under natural condition, the germination of the seed is very difficult.This paper studies the following problems: (a) the structure of the seed coat, (b) the function of the fissure in the hilum, the germination inhibitors and promoters in the seeds.The results show that the structure of the testa which prevents water uptake appears to be a layer of palisade cells. The cells which arrange closely possess thick walls and narrow cavities. Treatment with sulphuric acid may alter the impermeability of the seed to water, because the layer of palisade cells is destroyed.The results also show that the fissure of the hilum operates as a hygroscopically-controlled valve. It opens when the seed is placed in dry air, and closes in moist air.The author measures the total activity of extracts from testa and embryo. The results of paper chromatography and bioassay, show that there arc inhibitors in the testa and embryo. After soaking the seeds, the inhibitors are decreased obviously and the promoters are produced.