How Do Flowering Plants Disperse Embryos?

Dispersal by Dropping

Certain flower seeds disperse by simply dropping the seeds on the ground, close to the mother plant. As the flower that holds the seed dies away, it releases the seed to the ground below. This is common in plants that are typically seen naturally growing in large clusters. Once the seeds have dropped to the ground, they work their way into the soil, or are covered by organic matter in the fall. During the next spring, these seeds will sprout into new plants.

Dispersal by Wind

Some flower seeds are dispersed by the wind. One very common plant that uses this procedure is the dandelion. Mature seeds, through various methods, are born on the wind and blown to different locations. This type of dispersal is common in weeds and other plants that reseed prolifically and have short but frequent flowering cycles. These plants can be found near and far, and in some of the most difficult terrains. Once the seeds rest on soil, many almost immediately begin to grow without waiting for a winter to pass.

Dispersal by Animal

Seeds dispersed by animals usually have an extra method of enticing the animals that spread them. Flowering trees such as the apple tree produce fruit to carry the seeds. The fruit is then eaten by the animals, and deposited in a different location. Other plants allow themselves to be consumed entirely, along with the seed. When the seeds are consumed and deposited by the animals, they reap the added benefit of sprouting in a bed of fertilizer. Another type of plant can house its seeds in a sticky or burr like coating, attaching itself to an animal's fur and detaching in a new location.

Each of these methods give the plant extra range to establish existence, but keep the plants close enough to the mother plant to help with pollination later on.