Dandelion pappus ("parachute") details

[c-krebs]

We're all familiar with dandelion seed parachutes, and to the naked eye our sense of them is something soft and fuzzy. One fascinating thing about microscopy is how such a familiar subject is transformed when we see the details at high magnifications. The bristles (to me anyway) take on the appearance of gnarled, spiked trees or branches. I find them fun to look at. But as many things in nature, aesthetic form also has its function. There's more to it than we realize about the how seed dispersal is accomplished by these little parachutes. This article is not long, but an interesting read if you are curious:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07032-6


Olympus MPLFLN 5X, Canon 90D


Olympus LMPLFLN 50.0.50. Canon 90D


These last two were mounted in Norland Optical Adhesive 61. Olympus 20/0.7 S Plan Apo and 40/0.95S Plan Apo. Canon EOR R

[daruosha]

Outstanding picture Charles.

[MichaelG.]

Thank you, Charles

I am awestruck, by both the dandelion and your imaging !

MichaelG.

[75RR]

Great images (especially like the second one) and nicely written and interesting article.

[Hobbyst46]

Very beautiful.
Thanks for the link - very interesting reading material !
The pappus summons photography from various angles, including epi-dark field, which might reveal the longitudinal "folds".

[ImperatorRex]

Very nice photos and interesting article. Great inspiration - I just grabed one parachute from the garden