Dispersal Biology

• Title

  Dispersal Biology

• Authors

  Scott Alan Mori

• Description

  The fruits and seeds of B. excelsa are unique in the Lecythidaceae. At maturity the large, round, woody fruits fall to the ground with the seeds inside. The seeds, which have a bony testa, are removed from the capsules and dispersed by rodents, especially agoutis (Dasyprocta spp.) (Huber, 1910; Miller; 1990; E. Ortiz, pers. comm.). Agoutis and squirrels may be the only animals able to efficiently gnaw through the extremely woody pericarps. They eat some of the seeds and cache others for subsequent use. Consequently, the seeds are either eaten and destroyed or they are left in a forgotten cache where they may eventually germinate 12 to 18 months later.