transient seed bank

A transient seed bank in botany refers to a temporary storage of seeds in the soil or leaf litter. These seeds typically have a short or nonexistent dormancy period. They germinate before the next cycle of seed production, meaning the seed bank is constantly being depleted and replenished. This type of seed bank is common in long-lived plants like trees and shrubs, which may rely on other strategies for persistence, such as long-lived adult plants or extensive seed dispersal. Ephemeral plants, which grow only during favorable periods and survive unfavorable times as seeds, can also be associated with transient seed banks. In contrast, persistent seed banks contain seeds that can remain dormant for over a year, providing a continuous reserve.12