Data from: Estimation of potential seed dispersal regions based on floating and ballochory of Euphorbia adenochlora capsules

The ability to disperse individuals and seeds among subpopulations is
required for the sustainability of plant metapopulations. Understanding
the mechanism of seed dispersal is essential for the conservation and
restoration of plant diversity. In this study, Euphorbia adenochlora
growing on floodplains was used as a research target to obtain new
knowledge about hydrochory and ballochory and estimate potential dispersal
range related to hydrological regimes. A wetland spreading around the Omi
Maiko Inner Lake in Minami-Komatsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan,
was the study site. E. adenochlora bear capsules, which have a
three-chambered hollow structure and which float on water up to 14 days,
they can be dispersed by hydrochory. The capsule of E. adenochlora splits
open when it dries, and ejects the seeds at a maximum distance of 4.1 m,
indicating that the drifting capsule is capable for secondary dispersal by
ballochory. At the study site, 2% of E. adenochlora subpopulations were
within the range where fallen capsules could be dispersed by hydrochory,
and 33% of E. adenochlora subpopulations could have been formed by
ballochory from the drift line. These subpopulations are crucial for the
conservation of E. adenochlora population at the study site. Furthermore,
the fluctuating and maximum water levels from late May to mid-June for E.
adenochlora were considered important to the formation of new
subpopulations.