Moles et al. (2000): Do seed size and shape predict persistence in soil in New Zealand?

Moles, A. T.; Hodson, D. W.; Webb, C. J. 2000. Do seed size and shape predict persistence in soil in New Zealand? Oikos 89: 541-545.

European species with small, rounded seeds have persistent seed banks, but species with larger, elongate or flattened seeds usually lack persistence. This may be because small, rounded seeds are easily incorporated into the soil, and therefore have less exposure to seed predators. We tested whether seed size and shape could predict persistence in soil in 47 species native to New Zealand forests. Species with persistent seeds had significantly smaller seeds than transient-seeded species. However, some species did have large and/or elongate persistent seeds. Perhaps these species can persist because of the low levels of seed predation observed in New Zealand.