Kapok - Mature fruit splitting and releasing silky hairs embedded with seeds. Each seed has a parachute which can be dispersed by the wind. This species prefers rocky hill slopes and ridges

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Kapok - Mature fruit splitting and releasing silky hairs embedded with seeds. Each seed has a parachute which can be dispersed by the wind. This species prefers rocky hill slopes and ridges

DH-3344
Kapok - Mature fruit splitting and releasing silky hairs embedded with seeds
Manning Gorge in the Kimberleys, Western Australia.
Cochlospermum fraseri
Each seed has a parachute which can be dispersed by the wind. This species prefers rocky hill slopes and ridges. It flowers in the Dry Season at which time all leaves fall. After flowering green barrel-shaped fruits approximately 8cm long are produced. Australian aborigines used a bark and flower decoction which they drank for fevers. The mature hairy seeds were used for body decoration and stuffing for cushions.
Don Hadden
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway.

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Media ID 3738082

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Fruit Fruits Kapok Seed Seed Dispersal Seeds

EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this whimsical snapshot captured by Don Hadden near Manning Gorge in the Kimberleys, Western Australia, we witness a truly extraordinary sight. DH-3344 showcases the remarkable life cycle of the kapok tree, as its mature fruit splits open to reveal silky hairs embedded with seeds. Each seed possesses a parachute-like structure that allows it to be effortlessly dispersed by the wind. This unique species has a penchant for rocky hill slopes and ridges, thriving in Australia's diverse landscape. Interestingly, during the Dry Season when all leaves fall off, these resilient trees burst into vibrant blooms before producing green barrel-shaped fruits approximately 8cm long. But what makes this plant even more fascinating is its historical significance to Australian aborigines. They ingeniously utilized bark and flower decoctions from the kapok tree to combat fevers. Additionally, they creatively employed mature hairy seeds for body decoration and stuffing cushions – talk about stylish comfort! So next time you stumble upon one of these fluffy wonders floating through the air or adorning someone's attire or furniture, remember their incredible journey from splitting fruit to becoming nature's own airborne adventurers!

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