An unusual case of epigeal cryptocotyly found in Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel. (Syn. Bassia latifolia Roxb.) of Sapotaceae is described and discussed in this study. The morphological characters shown by M. indica seedlings such as thickened hypocotyl, thick woody seed coat and non photosynihetic haustorial cotyledons are closely related to its epigeal cryptocotyly. The incidence of epigeal cryptocotylar germination in angiosperms seems to be scarce in available literatures. Such knowledge of germination and seedling morphology can throw some light in the silvicullural practices of this tree. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information.