Seed dispersal

• The seed/s, enclosed in the fruit, needs to separate from its parent plant before it can develop into a new plant.
• Fruits are adapted in different ways to help in dispersal.
• But very often, both fruits and seeds together form the dispersal unit.
• Dispersal takes place by several mechanisms, including wind, water, and a variety of animals.
• In the simplest way, seeds are automatically set free by opening of the fruit.
• An explosive mechanism bursts the fruit open to release the seeds. For example, pea plants, castor, and balsam.

Dandelion seeds dispersal by wind

• Some seeds have radiating threads or wings that form a parachute so that they can be carried long distances by even the gentlest breeze. For example, Dandelion seeds, drumstick, and maple.

Drumstick seeds dispersal by wind

• Some seeds have spongy outer coat to help them float on water.

Coconut seed dispersal by water

• They are carried great distances by ocean currents and germinate after they wash up on beaches. For example, coconuts.
• Many types of animals play a role in the dispersal of fruits and seeds.
• Most fleshy and brightly coloured fruits are designed to be eaten by birds and mammals.
• The taste and nutrition are the attraction for the animal to come back again and again.
• The seed may pass out in the faeces or may be thrown away.
• Some birds eat fruits whose seeds stick to their beaks and then are rubbed off somewhere else.
• Seeds of other fruits pass intact through a bird's digestive tract.

Seedpod with hooks

• Some fruits are covered with little hooks or sticky substances and get caught in the fur or hide of animals such as sheep.

Sheep

• As the animal moves about, fruits or seeds are rubbed off by branches of shrubs or trees.