Seasonal variation in seedfall and germination of Leptospermum scoparium (manuka)

Abstract

Field studies on the seedfall and germination of Leptospermum scoparium J. R. et G. Forst showed that viable seed is shed throughout the year. It was found that there is a significant seasonal pattern to both seedfall and germination. Peak seed fall occurred in October and January, although capsule-borne seeds made an important contribution to the October peak. Germination was found to be highest in mid-winter and early spring. Analysis is described of the possible role of climatic factors in controlling seed fall and germination. No simple model could be found to account for the observed pattern of seed fall. However, a highly significantmodel (involving temperature and moisture regime) could account for the observed pattern of germination. The significance of these relationships is discussed in the context of the ecology of the species.

Keywords:

• seed fall
• germination
• climatic control
• Leptospermum scoparium
• manuka
• Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand
• moisture regime

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Neil Mitchell

To whom reprint requests should be sent