Factors affecting the germination of Beilschmiedia tarairi seeds

[Abstract of a paper read at the Ecological Society Conference, 1983.]

First paragraph:
The taraire seed is surrounded by a fleshy mesocarp, tissue which is often stripped off during consumption by the New Zealand pigeon. It has been found that seed with the mesocarp removed by this bira, and artificially, has a much greater level and speed of germination than seed with an intact mesocarp. This illustrates the vital role these birds play in the germination and potential dispersal of taraire seeds.