Ballistic dispersal uses force to launch seeds away from the parent plant. Active force happens when the seed pod dries out. The drying causes tension, constricting the seeds inside the pod. Once ...

They might not be especially striking to look at — if you can see them at all — but seeds are among the natural world’s most awe-inspiring marvels.

A lot of attention has been paid to the decrease in bee populations and other pollinators, but a recent review article makes the case that we should be equally alarmed by the declining numbers of seed ...