Shooting Mechanisms in Nature: A Systematic Review
Fig 18
Air pressure catapult mechanism in the genus Sphagnum.
(A) The mature spherical spore capsule of Sphagnum filled with spores and air (equal portions). (B) Deformation of the capsule into cylindrical shape due to drying, which raises the air pressure in the capsule. (C–D) When a critical pressure is reached, sudden fraction of the capsule lid explosively discharges the spores from the capsule. Drawings based on schematic drawings in [1]. Scale bar 2 mm.