The Martynias of South America produce fruits with hooks sometimes five
or six inches in length, which get imbedded into the flesh of animals.
The African Grapple-plants (_Harpagophyton procumbens_) are even worse
in the amount of suffering which they cause; thousands of antelopes,
goats, and other creatures are lamed by them every season. The seed
vessel of this plant is provided with a large number of curved hooks by
which it attaches itself to the coats or hoofs of animals and is thus
transported from place to place. It has been known to choke and cause
the death of lions.
[Illustration: The pretty little parachute-like device of the Dandelion
seed which helps to waft it over a wide area. It often rises to a height
of thirty feet, and is wafted many miles away.]
[Illustration: The Willow Herb produces an enormous number of flying
fruits. These often sail away in masses and are carried for a great
distance over the countryside, to take root in a new location.]
[Illustration: The seed of the Sycamore is provided with a long wing.
These wings revolve quickly when the heavy seed is falling, prevent a
rapid decent, and help to scatter them.]
[Illustration: The head of a seeding Dandelion. Observe the enlarged
view of one of the parachutes above.]
[Illustration: When the fruits of the Coltsfoot are ripe the smallest
puff of air disperses the seed far and wide.]