Suetsugu-Double-Ant_seed (IMAGE)

Kobe University

Suetsugu-Double-Ant_seed

Caption

Ants carry the bracts with the attached seeds to their nest, dropping some of the seeds on the way and disposing of others in “waste piles” outside their nests. Usually, seeds dispersed by ants are surrounded by nutrient-rich bodies called “elaiosomes” that serve as food for the ants. However, in the case of Balanophora subcupularis, the bracts seem to take over this function.

Credit

HASHIWAKI Hiromu

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Credit must be given to the creator.

License

CC BY

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