Viscin Cells in the Dwarf Mistletoe Arceuthobium ... - Davidsonia

Davidsonia 17:3 81
Image: Cynthia M. Ross
Figure 3. A whole hydrated seed collected from cheesecloth the day after explosive
discharge. The relative position of the embryo, endosperm, and viscin cells are
indicated; note the green colour of the viscin cells.
en = endosperm; ey = embryo; v = viscin cells; scale bar = 420 µm
mechanism relies on tension due to drying rather than an accumulation
of hydrostatic pressure. The “springs” are oriented in a way that could
allow uncoiling to push the seed free from the fruit upon release of
pressure.