Bur clover burr, SEM

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Bur clover burr, SEM

Bur clover burr, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This burr contains the seed of the bur clover (Medicago polymorpha). The long hooked spikes get caught on the wool or hair of passing animals, helping to disperse the seeds far from the parent plant. This mechanism was the inspiration for hooks and loops fasteners

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6288357

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Burr Dispersal Part Parts Re Production Reproductive S Eed Sharp Spike Spiked Spikes Spiky Spines Spiny False Coloured Spined

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate details of a Bur clover burr, captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The vibrant colors and sharp spikes highlight the unique structure of this botanical wonder. At its core lies the seed of the bur clover (Medicago polymorpha), an ingenious plant that has evolved to disperse its offspring far from its parent. The long hooked spikes serve as nature's ingenious mechanism for seed dispersal. As passing animals brush against them, these spiky hooks catch onto their wool or hair, ensuring that they carry the seeds along with them on their journeys. This fascinating adaptation inspired the creation of hooks and loops fasteners like Velcro. Examining this SEM image reveals how each individual spike plays a crucial role in reproduction. The spines are not only visually striking but also essential for securing successful seed dispersal. By studying such biological structures through cutting-edge technology, scientists gain valuable insights into plant reproductive strategies and evolutionary adaptations. This false-colored SEM image provides a glimpse into the hidden world of plants, where every part serves a purpose in ensuring survival and propagation. It is yet another testament to nature's ingenuity and complexity, reminding us of the wonders that await our exploration within even seemingly ordinary objects like burrs.

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