#plant-biology

#plant-biology

The sound of rain spurs rice seeds to sprout up to 40 percent faster than they would otherwise, according to a study published today in Scientific Reports.

This mini pepper is technically known as an internal proliferation, and is due to a natural process called parthenocarpy. Parthenocarpy is when any fruit develops without fertilization, and in the case of bell peppers, it results in these small internal tissue growths. Although it can have the same shape and look like a regular pepper, if you cut open this mini pepper, you'll find it's completely seedless.

The squirting cucumber, also known as Ecballium elaterium, propels its seeds explosively as internal pressure builds up, forcing a stream of liquid containing seed pods out at high speeds.

Many plants need a pollinator like bees or butterflies, but hermaphrodite plants can self-pollinate or thrive better with help from others in proximity.

What they're showing is extremely convincing; I would say that it's a landmark in the field, highlighting how environmental pressures induce heritable changes without affecting DNA.

"Scientists say the odour is down to small changes in an enzyme that prevents bad breath in humans, illustrating a simpler evolution of traits than expected."

Phloem bundles, often mistaken for something undesirable, are actually the banana's veins, safe to eat and crucial for transporting nutrients.