Seed dispersal of tree strangler

Article Catalog

1. First, let’s start with the growth characteristics of tree strangler.

2. Next, let’s talk about how they result.

3. So finally, how do their seeds spread?

---

Today I would like to introduce to you a plant that is quite unique. Not only does its name seem strange, but its growth method is also very strange - it is a tree strangler. It hides its seeds in the branches and leaves of the main tree, absorbs water and oxygen, and then slowly germinates and gradually wraps around the main tree, causing the main tree to lose nutrients and die. So, how do they spread their seeds?

1. First, let’s start with the growth characteristics of tree strangler.

1. First, we start with the growth characteristics of tree strangler

This kind of tree has no root system at the beginning, growing from top to bottom. When its roots begin to sprout, they are wrapped around the tree. The main tree is getting longer and stronger, and can even reach directly into the ground. This will squeeze the trunk of the original main tree, thus cutting off the main tree's source of life and depriving it of sunlight and nutrients. It was ruthlessly occupied by fruit trees again. So the main tree slowly withers up and dies slowly. When the main tree dies and falls over, it will fall on another tree. In this way, the second tree will ruthlessly become the new main tree of the fruit tree. .

2. Next, let’s talk about them. How does it bear fruit

This kind of tree is also called "parasitic fig". It is very energetic and can bear fruit at any time regardless of the season. The relationship between animals and plants must be mentioned here. Some are life-or-death relationships, while others are "friendship" relationships.

Although the strangler is a "fig", in fact, its edible fruit part is actually its flower, and the inside of the pulp is actually the stamens. In the small fig stage, the female wasp lays eggs in the ovary of the flower and dies in the fig. Then when the fruit gets bigger and bigger and the eggs hatch, the young wasps can break out of the fruit, carrying pollen and imparting it to it.

3. Finally, how do their seeds spread?

Because strangler can produce fruits all year round, and most of the places where it likes to grow are dry and lack water, in many cases, juicy figs become the birds' favorite food. After birds eat such fruits, the seeds cannot be digested in the bird's body and can only be excreted in the bird's excrement. These seeds will not lose their germination function because they have entered the stomach of birds, but will become more conducive to sowing due to the factor of bird droppings. Because birds can fly great distances in a short period of time, seeds can be spread far and faster.

2. Next, let’s talk about how they result.

3. So finally, how do their seeds spread?

- END -