Seed Mass and Dispersal Capacity in Wind-Dispersed Diaspores

Key Points

• To determine whether a trade-off exists between seed mass and wind-dispersal capacity in asymmetric winged diaspores.
• Assessed morphological scaling and aerodynamic properties in asymmetric samaras across three plant families (Pinaceae, Aceraceae, and Leguminosae).
• Modeled the mathematical relationship between samara mass, geometric isometry, and equilibrium descent velocity.
• Samara shape remains isometric (proportions are conserved) despite variations in seed mass within Pinaceae, Aceraceae, and Leguminosae.
• Equilibrium descent velocity is proportional to samara mass raised to the 1/6 power, resulting in poorer dispersal capacity for larger samaras.