Abstract: Embryogenic calluses were induced and filtrated from young leaf explants in flowering Cyclamen persicum plant，and somatic embryos were formed. Histological observation revealed that embryogenic calluses were comprised of embryogenic and non-embryogenic cells，and that embryogenic cells mostly existed in embryogenic aggregates. Embryogenic aggregates derived from induced embryogenic determined cells. Somatic embryogenesis originated from a single embryogenic cell. Somatic embryo grew into a complete plantlet after passing through proembryos，globular，heart- and torpedo- shaped stages. During somatic embryogenesis and development，four peaks of starch granules appeared，respectively at the stage of embryogenic cells，globular embryos，early torpedo-shaped embryos and complete plantlets from mature embryos. Starch metabolism was closely related to somatic embryogenesis，development and plantlet regeneration.

Key words: Cyclamen persicum, somatic embryo, induced embryogenic determined cell, starch granule