I gave most of the seeds a haircut. I kept one shaggy for comparison purposes. Apparently, if you do not remove the fuzz and try to grow a seed, the fuzz creates an environment that encourages rotting bacteria.
Name: Anne Summerville, SC (Zone 8a) Only dead fish go with the flow!
I've often wondered about that too - what evolutional pressure would create the hairs .. the I carnea's are hairy too. I wonder if it's a deterrent for birds and other animals or perhaps the increased mass helps the seed move away from the parent plant location.
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
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Thanks, Ronnie and Anne. I learned from Ron Kushner the seed fluff catches the wind for dispersal. I agree about pondering evolutionary pressure for the traits.
