A seed capsule of Tulipa sprengeri, opened to reveal the locules containing ripe seeds. The picture shows stacks of seeds (brown), held in place by hy

---

A seed capsule of Tulipa sprengeri, opened to reveal the locules containing ripe seeds. The picture shows stacks of seeds (brown), held in place by hygroscopic teeth at the edges of the capsule (thin, white, horizontal ). This arrangement ensures that the seeds are released only in dry conditions. Each weighs 2-3mg, and dispersal is by wind. Tulipa sprengeri was confirmed as extinct in the wild in the Red List, 1997. Its natural habitat was the region around Amasya in Turkey. It is a widely grown garden plant, being hardy, easy to establish and requiring no lifting over winter. Left undisturbed, In suitable situtations it will self-seed. The flowers are of a coppery red hue, and appear later than other tulips in horticulture, from mid May to early June in Europe

---

Size: 3468px × 5212px
Photo credit: © DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: biological, biology, botanical, botany, capsule, dispersal, extinct, garden, locule, plant, seed, sprengeri, tulip, tulipa