Alexanders seed pods (Smyrnium olusatrum). A flowering plant of the family umbelliferae (apiaceae). It forms these 5-sided (pentagonal) fruits that gr

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Alexanders seed pods (Smyrnium olusatrum). A flowering plant of the family umbelliferae (apiaceae). It forms these 5-sided (pentagonal) fruits that grow in two one-seeded parts (mericarps) that are joined by a commissure (centre). These remain hanging from the central rod (carpophore), and when ripe enough, the fruits separate and flatten before getting dispersed by the wind for reproduction. The ridges in the surface of the fruit are separated by oil canals. Photographed in Dorset, UK, in June.

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Size: 2852px × 4295px
Photo credit: © COLIN VARNDELL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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