Chapter 1
The ultimate botanical survivalists
Chapter 2
The flying physics of the puffball
Chapter 3
From royal salads to bed-wetting teas
Chapter 4
Colonizing the globe on the Mayflower
Chapter 5
The high-tech future of the humble weed
Ch 2 · The flying physics of the puffball
futura Dandelion-Inspired Wireless Sensors
Riding on the wind like a dandelion seed, solar powered and battery free.
futura The dandelion's fluffy pappus consists of tiny bristles that use empty space to create high air resistance.
futura Low pressure pockets above the bristles pull dandelion seeds miles on light breezes.
Fun Fact
Long-distance fliers: While most dandelion seeds land within a few yards of their parent, some can travel over 50 miles on strong, warm atmospheric wind currents!
Glossary
pappus (noun)
A tuft of bristly hairs on certain seeds, such as the dandelion, that functions as a parachute. In 2018, Edinburgh researchers discovered that its porous design creates a stable, unattached ring of air.
A tuft of bristly hairs on certain seeds, such as the dandelion, that functions as a parachute. In 2018, Edinburgh researchers discovered that its porous design creates a stable, unattached ring of air.
Gossip
Which natural seed flight mechanism is cooler: the dandelion parachute or the maple helicopter?
Quiz
What is the scientific name for the fluffy, umbrella-like structure on a dandelion seed?
Quiz
Compared to a solid parachute, how much more efficient is a dandelion's porous pappus at staying aloft?
Quiz
What is the name of the swirling, detached air bubble that keeps a dandelion seed aloft?
Quiz
Which university discovered the unique 'separated vortex ring' flight mechanism of dandelion seeds in 2018?
Quiz
What instrument does a dandelion seed head mimic by closing and opening based on air moisture?
Quiz
What practical use are engineers planning for micro-drones inspired by dandelion seeds?