Chapter 1
The mechanical mouth
Chapter 2
The spooky transformation
Chapter 3
The genetics rebel
Chapter 4
From the Mediterranean to the backyard
Ch 2 · The spooky transformation
artiteacher After pollination, the snapdragon flower drops its petals and dries into a brown capsule, opening three holes to release its seeds
artiteacher Snapdragon pods reopen in dry conditions to safely scatter their seeds.
Fun Fact
Microscopic skulls: Under an electron microscope, snapdragon seed pods look even more terrifyingly realistic, resembling highly detailed, ancient alien skulls.
Glossary
seedpod (noun)
A dry casing or pod that contains and protects the seeds of a plant. Once dried, these snapdragon structures naturally shrivel to resemble miniature human skulls with hollow eye sockets.
A dry casing or pod that contains and protects the seeds of a plant. Once dried, these snapdragon structures naturally shrivel to resemble miniature human skulls with hollow eye sockets.
Quiz
How many holes typically open in a dried snapdragon seed pod, creating the 'skull' look?
Quiz
At what time of year do the first skull-like seed pods typically appear on snapdragon plants?
Quiz
How do snapdragon skull pods react when they are exposed to water or high humidity?
Quiz
What magical effect was historically rumored to happen if a woman ate snapdragon flowers?
Quiz
What did ancient European cultures believe would happen if they planted snapdragons in their gardens?
Quiz
What did Victorians believe carrying a snapdragon on your person would do for your social reputation?
Quiz
What dual meaning did the snapdragon hold in the Victorian language of flowers?