Seed dispersal methods in Hawaiian Metrosideros

Author:

Corn, Carolyn

Title:

Seed dispersal methods in Hawaiian Metrosideros

Year:

1972

Pages:

i, 19 l.

Subject:

Metrosideros Seeds dispersal

Summary:

The Hawaiian flora and fauna are living proof that long distance dispersal is effective. Since the Hawaiian Islands are oceanic islands built in the last 20 million years by volcanism, has been isolated from other land masses by wind and water currents and isolated by distances of 2000 miles or more, (except for Johnston Island, a small atoll some 600 miles to the southwest), plants and animals found on the islands must have ancestors that survived the long trip to the islands. The biota of these islands is considered to be most remarkable in terms of long-distance dispersal. Metrosideros seeds are numerous and small, but no data has been published on the wind velocities necessary to disperse the seeds, or if the seeds might be transported by water. A series of experiments were undertaken to indicate the potential dispersal mechanisms which could have been involved. The studies found that the Hawaiian Metrosideros seeds need 3 to 12 miles per hour wind velocity to become airborne, and can survive minus 30 degree temperatures for at least 6 hours. They also survive sea water soaking for 30 days followed by an additional 7 day desiccation period. These conditions substantiate a belief that Metrosideros species arrived in the islands by seed dispersal, and can also travel shorter distances by water currents.

URL:

http://hdl.handle.net/10125/15266

Collection:

Monographs