What are the methods of seed dispersal?
This article brings you the methods of seed dispersal and some small experiences of green plant maintenance concerning the propagation techniques of plant cultivation. Let's learn about it together next.
Dispersal by wind: Some plant seeds have downy appendages that will float and disperse with the wind.
Dispersal by water: These seeds float on the water's surface and are dispersed through streams.
Mechanical and projectile dispersal: The fruits of follicles and silicles split open when mature, ejecting the seeds outward.
Dispersal by birds or other animals: These are all fleshy fruits, birds or other animals eat the seeds, and they are dispersed through feces.
Self-sowing: The mature fruits fall to the ground due to gravity for dispersal.
I. Dispersal by wind
Plants may disperse seeds through the wind, such as willows, poplars, and dandelions. Their seed coats are covered with downy appendages, and some have wings, which adapt to wind dispersal. In addition, some seeds are very small and can float in the wind, like the seeds of orchids. The achenes of dandelions open up like parachutes when mature, spreading seeds far and wide.
II. Dispersal by water
Seeds that rely on water for dispersal have a waxy surface that repels water, like lotuses. Their seeds are lighter than water and float on the surface, dispersing through streams. The seed coat of these plants has a rich fibrous material, which does not rot even after long-term immersion in water. Common plants that disperse seeds by water include leaves, terminalia, and nelumbo.
III. Mechanical and projectile dispersal
Fruits of follicles and silicles split open when mature, creating a force that ejects the seeds. For example, the fruits of impatiens and pods will shoot the seeds in all directions when mature. However, the distance of such dispersal is limited, but some seeds that self-disperse may undergo secondary dispersal through birds, animals, ants, etc.
IV. Dispersal by birds or other animals
Plant seeds dispersed by birds are usually fleshy fruits, such as cherries, wild grapes, and wild ginseng. Birds or other animals eat the seeds, but they cannot digest them, so they are excreted and spread in all directions. Squirrels store food for the winter and may carry seeds like pine nuts to other places.
V. Self-sowing
Self-sowing is the dispersal through the plant itself without depending on other media. The fruit or seed has a certain weight, and after maturation, it falls to the ground due to gravity. For example, apples and pears have this ability. In addition, some plant seeds separate from the stem and root after maturity, rolling and dropping seeds along the way.
The above is an introduction to the methods of seed dispersal and techniques for plant propagation, which can serve as a reference for everyone.