Trees With Round Papery Seedpods
Several tree species encase their seeds in round, papery pods. Seedpods serve a variety of functions, such as protecting and providing nourishment for seeds. They also may regulate when seeds are dispersed and, as with elms, provide a mechanism for them to travel from the parent tree. Additionally, seedpods are collected for floral arrangements. Does this Spark an idea?
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American Elm
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The American elm (Ulmus americana) produces circular, flat seedpods that turn from green to brown as they mature. The ½- to 1-inch pods become paperlike and dry, according to Midwest Gardening. These North American trees – which grow from 80 to 100 feet tall – don’t develop seeds until they have been growing at least 15 years. Elm pods leave their trees by fluttering or spinning away in the wind, according to Polmar College instructor Wayne P. Armstrong.
Kiaat
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The kiaat tree (Pterocarpus angolensis) grows papery seedpods that resemble brown fried eggs and linger on the branches after the leaves fall, according to PlantZAfrica. Found in southern and eastern Africa, the tree grows a tall canopy with a spreading crown. Its genus name means “wing fruit” in Greek. A large, round wing surrounds a hard seed container. Kiaat trees belong to the Fabaceae family, which produces bean pods.
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Bladdernut
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The bladdernut encases its seeds in sacs that are round, papery and lobed. These 1 ½-inch seedpods appear inflated, according to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. With thickly growing branches, bladdernuts produce seeds that mature in September. The plant can be grown as trees or trimmed into shrubs, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Bladdernts are members of the genus Staphylea. Native to the United States, the trees grow 6 to 12 feet tall and produce clusters of bell-shaped blossoms.
Chinese Flame Tree
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In late summer and autumn, Chinese flame trees (Koelreuteria bipinnata) put forth 2-inch-long papery “lanterns,” according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The trees, which grow profusely in the southern United States, elevate the pink pods above the leaves. Chinese flame trees grow 40 to 60 feet tall and have crowns that are level on top. Before the seedpods appear, the trees produce aromatic, yellow flowers; not many other trees in the region have flowers of this color. The lanterns often are incorporated into floral displays.
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References
- Midwest Gardening: American Elm
- Wayne's World; Blowing In The Wind; Wayne P. Armstrong
- PlantZAfrica; Pterocarpus angolensis; Alice Aubrey; January 2003
- Virginia Tech: Bladdernut
- University of Illinois Extension: American Bladdernut
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Koelreuteria bipinnata: Chinese Flame-Tree; Edward F. Gilman, et al
