21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Falling into the water

The seeds of Corydalis heterocarpa have an outer layer of elaiosome which act as rewards for ants to carry them. Under the microscope, the seeds appear to be surrounded by solidified waves.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Shanghai, China
Copyright: © Xin Zhong