Glossary

elaiosome

Elaiosome (e-lái-uh-sohm) is a fleshy, oil-rich structure attached to certain seeds that attracts ants. Ants carry these seeds back to their nests, eat the elaiosomes, and discard the remaining seeds underground, often in nutrient-rich, protected conditions.

This process, known as myrmecochory, aids in seed dispersal and helps some native plants establish in shaded forest floors or undisturbed soils.

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, species like Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) and Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) produce seeds with elaiosomes that are dispersed by native ants.

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