Hounds tongue fruit

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Hounds tongue fruit

Hounds tongue fruits (Cynoglossum columnae). This plant is a member of the borage family. These are its unripe nutlets which usually occur in groups of four. Each nutlet is 4-5mm across, slightly concave with thickened borders. When the plant dies off the dry nutlets are left on the dead stems. Any animal or human that brushes past will pick up the tenacious seeds which are equipped with tiny hooks borne on the end of pinnacles. This type of plant was the inspiration for the popular hooks and loops material which is used for fastening clothes, shoes and bags

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

Media ID 9194681

© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Biomimetic Burr Burrs Cluster Clusters Dispersal Fruit Inspiration Part Parts Reproduction Reproductive Seed Velcro

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate structure and fascinating nature of Hounds tongue fruit (Cynoglossum columnae). As a member of the borage family, this plant produces unripe nutlets that typically grow in clusters of four. Measuring 4-5mm across, each nutlet displays a slightly concave shape with thickened borders. When the plant eventually withers away, these dry nutlets remain attached to the lifeless stems. What makes this botanical specimen truly remarkable is its reproductive strategy. Equipped with tiny hooks borne on pinnacles at their ends, the tenacious seeds readily latch onto any passing animal or human. This ingenious adaptation ensures widespread dispersal as unsuspecting creatures inadvertently carry them along their journeys. Interestingly enough, it was this very type of plant that served as inspiration for one of mankind's most practical inventions - Velcro. The hooks and loops material used for fastening clothes, shoes, and bags mimics the biological mechanism employed by Hounds tongue fruit to disperse its burr-like seeds. In this stunning image captured by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of both nature's ingenuity and humanity's ability to draw inspiration from it. It serves as a testament to the wonders found within our natural world and highlights how even seemingly insignificant parts of plants can have far-reaching impacts beyond their own existence.

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