Elaiosome

As Elaiosom ( ancient Greek ἔλαιον elaion "oil", σῶμα soma " body " ) refers to the fat- rich appendage of diaspores ( seeds) in plants. It is formed of plants whose seeds are spread by birds either ( Ornithochorie ) or by ants ( myrmecochory ). In the tropics, the larger Elaiosom is colored and lively and speaks mainly birds. In temperate latitudes the Elaiosomata are tailored to small and ants.

Tribal History were the first to Elaiosomata in the tropics. The adaptation to the temperate zone required a strong reduction of the seeds of the plants. For a Ornithochorie was excluded and allowed only a dissemination by ants.

Caruncle and Strophiole

After her Ansatzort elaiosomes be distinguished in Caruncula (Latin, " fleshy excrescence " ) and Strophiole ( Greek-Latin. , " Party" ). The caruncle, for example, in the plant family of the spurge family ( Euphorbiaceae ) and at the navel Mieren ( genus Moehringia ) occurs, is located on the germ opening. The Strophiole is located on the funiculus or to the seed stitch.

Elaiosomata and ants

Elaiosomata of Myrmekochoren (plants, the ants to spread their seeds use ) in particular contain fats and sugars, and sometimes vitamin B, vitamin C, starch and protein. The Elaiosom is intended solely for consumption. Ants delay the diasporas because of their Elaiosom appendages in their construction, there separating the Elaiosom of the diaspore and then drag the seeds on which they are not interested, back out of the building.

Many plants that rely on such a way to spread their seeds by ants, native ants in rich woods. A Elaiosom that clearly stands out with its white color from black seeds, trains, for example, the local corydalis. Even the snowdrops, the violets forest, the umbilical Mieren and the spurge among the native to forests plants which develop elaiosomes.

The same principle can be found also in hot - dry areas with herbaceous plants and shrubs, as well as this ant habitat provides ideal conditions. Among the plant species in these regions with Elaiosom training include the violets, the flowers as well as wood flakes acacia.