Fröerna

Fröerna are the units of plant reproduction produced by mature ovules after fertilization. In Swedish, fröerna is the definite plural form meaning “the seeds.” Seeds function to protect and nourish the embryo and to enable dispersal and dormancy, helping plants colonize new areas and persist through unfavourable conditions.

Biology and structure: Most seeds consist of an embryo, a nutrient store (endosperm or cotyledons), and a protective seed coat (testa). In angiosperms (flowering plants), seeds develop inside ovules contained in a fruit; in gymnosperms, such as conifers, seeds form on exposed ovules in cones. The seed’s contents provide energy and resources for the new plant during germination and initial growth, while the coat protects the embryo during dormancy and dispersal.

Germination and dormancy: Germination begins when conditions are suitable, typically involving water uptake (imbibition), adequate oxygen, and appropriate temperature. The radicle emerges first to form the root, followed by the shoot. Dormancy delays germination until conditions are favorable and can be caused by a physical barrier (hard seed coat) or physiological factors (hormonal balance). Techniques such as scarification or stratification are used to break certain types of dormancy.

Dispersal and ecology: Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, animals, or gravity, enabling colonization of new habitats and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Many seeds exhibit adaptations for their dispersal method, such as wings, plumes, or edible fruit pulp. Seeds are central to agriculture and forestry, and seed banks preserve genetic diversity for restoration and breeding programs.

See also: seed, plant reproduction, germination, dormancy, seed bank.