Seed dispersal and fine-scale genetic structuring in the asexual Nigritella miniata (Orchidaceae) in the Alps
Orchids have minute, air-filled seeds and are considered as efficient dispersers and colonizers. Yet, empirical studies show that most seeds fall within the nearest metre from the mother plant in orchids, and that individuals standing close to each other are often closely related. A poor contribution to gene dispersal by seeds may be compensated for by more efficient dispersal by pollen, but in auOrchids have minute, air-filled seeds and are considered to be efficient dispersers and colonizers. However, empirical studies show that most seeds fall within a metre of the mother plant in orchids, and that individuals standing close to each other are often closely related. A poor contribution to gene dispersal by seeds may be compensated for by more efficient dispersal by pollen, but in autogam
