Chiropterochory (chiropterochorous)

Description: Fruits and seeds of bat-dispersed species of Vismia from French Guiana. D-F. Vismia cayennensis (Mori et al. 25734). D. Fruiting branch. E. Fruits in cross-section (left) and longitudinal section (right). F. Seeds. G. Seeds of Vismia guianensis (Ek 722). H. Seeds of Vismia latifolia (Skog 7464). From Lobova et al. 2009. Seed Dispersal by Bats in the Neotropics. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 101: Plate XII. The species of Vismia represent the most common type of bat-dispersed fruit.

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  • Title

    Chiropterochory (chiropterochorous)

  • Definition

    Referring to diaspores that are carried away from the mother plant by bats. Most bat-dispersed seeds dispersed by bats have either berry-like fruits or fruits with the seeds provided with a fleshy associated structure such as an aril. A few other species have the fruits surrounded by a fleshy perianth (e.g., the diaspores of species of Cecropia). Same as bat-dispersed.

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