Effects of seed morphology and orientation on secondary seed dispersal by wind

Abstract Understanding how diaspore (hereafter ‘seed’) morphology and orientation affect secondary seed dispersal by wind is important to link post-dispersal processes, such as lodging, predation germination. This study aims describe the effects of on via mechanistic modelling. We extend model Schurr et al. (2005) in order affected conditions, ground surface, orientation. The simulates initial landing orientations, distances stopping orientations individual seeds. To parameterize model, we measured orientation-specific vertical projection lift-off velocity (the speed at which a starts moving ground) asymmetric seeds heterocarpous Zygophyllum xanthoxylon, determined parameters that depend properties and/or environment. validate conducted channel experiments released Z. xanthoxylon onto sand-coated tar paper, recorded extended could precisely predict distance, explain up 99% variation observed proportions stopped various orientations. predicts distance increases with decreases aerodynamic roughness length, there might be positive correlation between germination success.