Friday’s Seeds – Papaveraceae
Back to seeds, and just a few here from the last published seed gallery.
Many of the species of Papaveraceae family present seeds with elaiosomes, a well-known adaptation to ant dispersal (myrmechory). In the general term ‘elaiosomes’ are included various seed appendages rich in lipids (with oleic acid as the main component), amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamins.
These appendages are often very beautiful and interesting. Problem is, you have to be fast in admiration because few days after dispersal/collecting (whichever comes first ;-) they will ‘shrink’ or simply ‘disappear’. This applies as well for the seeds which are kept in moist storage for later sowing/sales (keeping these species as dry seeds is strongly NOT recommended).
Stylophorum diphyllum, one of my favourites, with ‘mohawk-style’ elaiosomes (insert with seeds in moist storage).
Stylophorum diphyllum
Stylophorum lasiocarpum – with a different ‘hair’ style.
Stylophorum lasiocarpum
Corydalis solida – displays ‘leaf shaped’ elaiosomes.
Corydalis solida
Dicentra cucullaria – a hard one to catch and the elaiosomes fade very fast.
Dicentra cucullaria
And, I cannot forget the Sanguinaria: ‘little snails’ trying to get away :)
Sanguinaria canadensis
More on the Papaveraceae seed gallery.
Mesmerizing photos! Always so interesting to study. Thank you.
Thank you – I am very glad I’m not the only one who finds them interesting :)
Fascinating close-ups of those seeds. Do Cyclamen have elaiosomes? I have a hard time getting to them before the ants do.
These are amazing photos! Nature is indeed a wonderful thing. :)
I never had the pleasure of seeing fresh Cyclamen seeds, so I cannot tell. The Cyclamen Society website may have the answer to your question.
Enclosing the capsules in an organza bag would easily take care of the situation ;)
:) XoX
wow! I had no idea. neat to see :-)
Thanks, there is a secret side to many of the seeds.
Cyclamen don’t have elaiosomes. Once the seeds start developing the flower stem curls up and the seed get buried.
Thanks, after the hundreds of images over the internet, I woulds say the flower stem curls down not up.
Sorry – links not allowed in comments. Anyone can google and see many images related with Cyclamen seeds/ or other subjects.