Long‐distance dispersal of tree seeds by wind

Some mechanisms that promote long‐distance dispersal of tree seeds by wind are explored. Winged seeds must be lifted above the canopy by updrafts to have a chance of further dispersal in high velocity horizontal winds aloft or in landscape‐scale convection cells. Shear‐induced turbulent eddies of a scale up to one‐third of canopy height provide a lifting mechanism. Preliminary data suggest that all seeds of a given species may be viable candidates for uplift and long‐distance dispersal, despite the evidence that slow‐falling seeds are dispersed farther under any given wind conditions. Turbulence is argued more often and more extensively to advance long‐distance dispersal than to retard it. Seeds may take advantage of ‘Bernoulli sailing’ to move with faster than average winds. Elasticity of branches and trees may play a role in regulating the release of seeds into unusually favorable winds. Dispersal is at least biphasic, and the study of long‐distance dispersal calls for mixed models and mixed methods of gathering data.