Global variation in seed covering structure hardness of woody species with orthodox seeds.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Seed covering structure hardness may play a role in defence/predation, physical dormancy and in situ longevity/persistence. However, research to date has been limited regarding quantification methods, plant diversity and geographical distribution. In this study, we determined global variation in seed covering structure hardness of woody species with desiccation-tolerant seeds and analysed its relationships with relevant climatic variables, seed traits and ecological processes.

Methods

We measured seed covering structure hardness of 476 species from 459 genera and 113 families using puncture force. We used phylogenetically informed regressions to test covering structure hardness against potential quantitative predictors [19 climate variables (n = 405), ten

SUBMITTER: Visscher AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12445846 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature