What are the methods of plant seed dispersal
This article introduces the methods of plant seed dispersal and the related introduction of five common plant seed dispersal methods, including a detailed description below.
Wind dispersal: Some plant seeds have pubescence on their seed coats, which can be carried away and dispersed by the wind.
Water dispersal: These seeds float on the surface of the water and are dispersed through streams.
Mechanical and projectile dispersal: The fruits of capsules and siliques裂 open when mature, shooting the seeds out.
Birds or other animals dispersal: These are all fleshy fruits, which birds or other animals eat, and the seeds are dispersed through their feces.
Self-sowing: The mature fruits fall to the ground due to gravity for dispersal.
I. Wind dispersal
Plants may disperse their seeds by wind, such as willows, poplars, and dandelions. Their seed coats have pubescence or wings, which are adapted for wind dispersal. Additionally, some seeds are very small and can be carried away by the wind, such as orchid seeds. The achene of dandelion, when mature, the pappus opens up like a parachute,飘散 in the wind, and the seeds are dispersed far and wide.
II. Water dispersal
Seeds that rely on water dispersal have a waxy surface that repels water, like water lilies. The seeds are lighter than water and float on the surface, dispersed by streams. The seed coat of these plants is rich in fibrous material, which does not rot even when soaked in water for a long time. Common plants that disperse seeds by water include leaves, Terminalia, and Nuphar.
III. Mechanical and projectile dispersal
When the fruits of capsules and siliques mature, they split open and generate a force that propels the seeds out, such as the fruits of Chinese pink and bean pods. After the fruits mature, the seeds are shot in all directions. However, the distance of this type of dispersal is limited, but some seeds that are self-dispersed may undergo secondary dispersal through birds, animals, or ants.
IV. Birds or other animals dispersal
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 cannot digest them, so they are excreted in the feces and dispersed in all directions. Additionally, squirrels store food for the winter and may carry seeds like pine nuts to other places.
V. Self-sowing
Self-sowing is the dispersal of seeds by the plant itself without relying on other agents. The fruits or seeds have a certain weight and fall to the ground due to gravity after maturing, such as apples and pears. Moreover, some plant seeds, after maturing, separate from the stem and root, rolling and dropping seeds along the way.
The introduction above provides a comprehensive overview of the methods of plant seed dispersal and the enumeration of five common dispersal methods, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to plant enthusiasts.