The Distribution of Seeds, Seedlings, and Established Plants of Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth) in a Freshwater Tidal Wetland

Abstract

WHIGHAM, D.,1 R. SIMPSON,2 and M. LECK.2 (1 Chesapeake Bay Center for Eiivironmeiital Studies, Smithsonian Inst., P.O. Box 28, Edgewater, MD 21037 and 2 Biol. Dept., Rider Coll., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648). The distribution of seeds, seedlings, and established plants of arrow arum (Peltandra virginica (L.) Kunth) in a freshwater tidal wetland. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 106: 193-199. 1979.-Arrow arumn is a widely distributed perennial in Delaware River freshwater tidal wetlands. The disjunct distribution of established arrow arum plants and the rather cosmopolitan distribution of seeds within the Hamilton Marsh freshwater tidal wetland suggests that factors which determine where seedlings become established are most important in colitrolling its population structure. Established plants were absent and seed mortality was high on stream banks, which suggests that water velocity may limit seedling establishment. The almost complete absence of arrow arum from all but the littoral fringe of ponds suggests that light is also an important factor in limiting the establishment of seedlings. Buried seed studies showed that the seeds were distributed throughout the wetland, but that densities were greatest on the high marsh. Allelopathy may be an imnportant factor in controlling seed germination.