Determination of Shape Factors and Volume Coefficients of Seeds from Selected Coniferous Trees

The thickness, width and length of seeds from selected coniferous trees was measured. The obtained data was used to determine six shape factors (as proposed by Grochowicz, Mohsenin, Donev and Wróbel). The seeds were assigned nine simple geometric shapes, and the total volume of seeds from a given tree species was compared using a pycnometer. Based on the results, a geometric model of seed volume was selected for every analyzed species. It was concluded that the shape of seeds from coniferous trees can be described with the application of shape factors proposed by Mohsenin, Donev and Wróbel, used interchangeably or collectively. The volume of seeds from coniferous trees can be modeled with the use of an ellipsoid for Scots pine, European black pine, Norway spruce and English yew seeds, and a double right quadrangular pyramid for silver fir and Douglas-fir seeds.