AskNature

high_res (1406x585)
larger (1406x585)
small (360x150)
large (1406x585)
medium (720x300)
thumbnail (180x180)

(A) Early stage of sporangiophore growth in P. kleinii. (B) Sporangiophore development showing the sterigma (stalk), balloon-like vesicle, and the sporangium at the tip. (C) When a critical pressure (of about 0.55 MPa relative to ambient) is reached, the sporangium breaks free from the sporangiophore and is propelled forward by a cell sap jet that is powered by the contracting vesicle wall. (D) Collapse of the sporangiophore after discharge of the sporangium