Here in Florida, spring seems to come early. Samaras are growing on the red maples – those wonderful little pairs of seed and wing that delight the child in us! Some people call them helicopters, and some call them keys; I’m sure there are many other names in different parts of the world for this type of interesting seed dispersing device.
Amazing what can be found on the internet…I didn’t know maple seeds were edible for one!
**Disclaimer: one should ALWAYS confirm edibility and then positively identify the plant or tree before eating. Even when sure that it is edible (speaking as one with allergies), try only a small amount and wait to see how you will react.**
Samara definition
How to eat maple seeds
NASA’s make a maple seed "helicopter" page
You can click on the image above to view it larger on my Flickr photostream.
~ Elizabeth Smith, Naples, FL, USA
I can't resist a pod. lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely pods Elizabeth! We have a similar tree here in South Africa and, as children, we used to watch them floating down from the trees in twirling, circular little motions, pretending they were fairies.
ReplyDeleteYour pods are so delicate, I love them!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane, Maree, and SKetching birds! I so enjoyed painting them!
ReplyDeleteI loved playing with these as a kid! Beautiful job, Elizabeth!
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