Seed release height samples were opportunistically sampled across Konza between May and December in 2022 through 2024. For each individual, we recorded the minimum and maximum height of seed release (distance between ground and natural height of inflorescence – i.e. not “stretched”) and collected mature fruits. We dried fruits at 60° C for at least two weeks. Once fruits were dried, we removed all other tissues not relating to dispersal from seeds. We were unable to collect seed for Asclepias viridiflora or Astragalus plattensis.
To estimate seed terminal velocity, we used the same apparatus used by Sullivan et al. 2018: a 10.16 cm PVC tube equipped with light sensor arrays that detect seed presence through light disruptions. We dropped seeds from 1 m above the first light sensors, ensuring they reached terminal velocity. Ten species were measured with 20 trials using different seeds, however for five species (Comandra umbellata, Hieracium longipilum, Penstemon grandifloras, Ratibida columnifera, and Dalea purpurea), we were only able to conduct 10-19 trials due to limited seeds. When possible, we dropped only one seed at a time. However, for particularly small seeds, the sensors were unable to consistently detect the seeds. Instead, we dropped seeds in multiples, attempting to drop as few seeds as possible; number dropped ranged from 2 to 20 seeds. We were unable to get velocity data for Artimisia ludoviciana or Achillea millefolium.