Shooting Mechanisms in Nature: A Systematic Review
Fig 5
Osmotic-powered eversion catapult mechanism in the genus Sphaerobolus.
(A) Immature fruiting body of Sphaerobolus. (B) The developed fruiting body with the exposed gleba (Ø1 mm, contains the spores) that is supported by an elastic membrane within a firm outer case of the cup. (C–D) When a critical pressure is reached inside the cells of the elastic membrane, the membrane everts rapidly, discharging the gleba from the cup. Scale bar 1 mm.