Article
Seed dispersal of the endangered virginia round-leaf birch (Betula uber)
Forest Ecology and Management
(1983)
Abstract
Dispersal of samaras about a single individual of Betula uber was investigated following maturation of the fruits in the late summer of 1979. Seed traps were placed along eight 100 m long radii representing the principal compass directions. Collections made at approximately weekly intervals indicated that samaras were dispersed over a 6 month period from November to April. Approximately four-fifths of the samaras were dispersed in January and February, with two large peaks at the 20–25 January and 20–29 February collection periods. Nearly three-fourths of the samaras were dispersed E and SE of the source tree. The overall profile of dispersal away from the source was exponential, with about 60% of the samaras falling within a distance of two tree heights (28 m). However, there were substantial differences among individual directional profiles, representing significant departures from the exponential pattern. Differences in wind speed and direction accounted for a substantial amount of the variation in the temporal, directional, and distance components of samara dispersal observed. The observation that 5% of the samaras were recovered nearly 100 m from the source suggests that B. uber is capable of invading new sites at considerable distances from the seed source. Information gained from the present study will be used to select sites for establishment of new individuals adjacent to mature trees and thus aid in the maintenance of B. uber as a viable natural population.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1983
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-1127(83)90016-6
Citation Information
Terry L. Sharik. "Seed dispersal of the endangered virginia round-leaf birch (Betula uber)" Forest Ecology and Management Vol. 6 Iss. 2 (1983) p. 115 - 128 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry_sharik/137/