Awn (botany)

A awn (even Arista ) (from OHG grana, beard ) is a bristle-like or thread-like, usually something rigid extension on the end or on the back of an organ, often curved and knelt, but never wrapped in tendrils. They found, for example at the husk of many grasses, the anthers of the Ericaceae, or in the fruits of Geraniaceae. Awns are often equipped with barbs and thereby remain easily in animal fur hanging facilitating the dissemination is encouraged.

The Coarse hair from the top coat in many animals is also called awn. It serves as a protection from the weather by keeping the insulating undercoat dry.

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