Plant ecology: Vanilla lures both insects and mammals to disperse its seeds and fruits

A new study shows that Vanilla species are unique among orchids for having evolved a multimodal mechanism of seed and fruit dispersal. Bees inadvertently transport seeds externally while collecting fragrance or nest material from dehiscent fruits. Rodents and marsupials consume and disperse aromatic fleshy fruits and the crustose seeds within.

Automated summary

A new study reveals that Vanilla species have developed a unique multimodal mechanism for seed and fruit dispersal. Bees unintentionally transport the seeds externally while collecting fragrance or nest material from dehiscent fruits. Rodents and marsupials consume and disperse the aromatic fleshy fruits and their enclosed crustose seeds.