MILKWEED SEEDS IN THE WIND

This is a ripe fruit from the evergreen shrub called Gomphocarpus fruticosus, more commonly known as milkweed. Milkweed can be found throughout most of North and South America as well as parts of Africa. There are more than 200 species worldwide.

Before ripening the unopened follicle is a pale green colour, covered with prickles and the tip narrows and curves to make it look like a tiny swan.

The light brown ripe fruit which is seen in this video, sprouts in autumn and is having a papery follicle which is covered with brussel light hair and it contains dark seeds. Attached to the seeds are cotten like silky hair that is very important for the dispersal of the seeds. These fluffy hairs are super soft and they are used as allergic free stuffing for pillows.
‪@EvelynJoubertNatureWithEve‬

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