Seed size, shape and persistence in the soil in an Iranian flora

Abstract

Abstract Previous studies on several floras have shown that species with small, rounded seeds tend to accumulate persistent seed banks in the soil, while species with larger, less compact seeds do not. The suggested underlying mechanism is predation. Small seeds experience less predation and are more likely to become buried, which itself offers significant protection from predation by vertebrates. The relationship between seed size and shape and persistence in the soil was examined for the flora of the Arasbaran Protected Area in northwest Iran. Seed size was related to persistence in the soil in Iran in the same way as in most other floras examined, but seed shape was not. It is suggested that predation prevents persistence of large seeds in most floras. Where large-seeded persistent species predominate, for example in Australia and (to a lesser extent) in New Zealand, other factors may interfere with the relationship between seed size and predation.