Glossary

myrmecochory

Is the ecological term for seed dispersal by ants.

In this mutualistic relationship, certain plants produce seeds with a fleshy, nutrient-rich structure called an elaiosome, which attracts ants.

Ants carry the seeds back to their nests, eat the elaiosomes, and discard the still-viable seeds in or near the nest, where they are more likely to germinate in nutrient-rich, protected conditions. This benefits the plant by aiding in seed dispersal and reducing seed predation.

Examples of species native to the Santa Cruz Mountains that use myrmecochory:

  • Western Trillium, Trillium ovatum– seeds are dispersed by native ants attracted to their elaiosomes.
  • Redwood Violet, Viola sempervirens – common in redwood and mixed evergreen forests; ants assist in seed spread.
  • Wild Ginger, Asarum caudatum
  • Fetid Adder’s Tongue, Scoliopus bigelovii– an early-spring bloomer of moist forest understories that also relies on ant dispersal.

These plant-ant interactions are especially important in shaded forest ecosystems, where wind dispersal is limited.

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