Alsomitra
| Alsomitra | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Subfamily: | Zanonioideae |
| Tribe: | Zanonieae |
| Subtribe: | Zanoniinae |
| Genus: | Alsomitra L. |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
| Synonyms | |
Alsomitra is a genus of the plant family Cucurbitaceae (the cucumber, squash, and pumpkin family).
The seeds of Alsomitra macrocarpa are among the largest winged seeds in the Plant Kingdom and their shape inspired Igo Etrich to build gliders,[2] later it would inspire the Horten brothers to build the first flying wing aircraft.[3]
Selected species
- Alsomitra angulata
- Alsomitra angustipetala
- Alsomitra balansae
- Alsomitra beccariana
- Alsomitra brasiliensis
- Alsomitra capricornica
- Alsomitra macrocarpa - Javan cucumber
References
External links
- Wind dispersal of seeds
- Alsomitra macrocarpa seed
- Andres, T. C. 2004. Web site for the plant family Cucurbitaceae & home of The Cucurbit Network.
- KBD: Kew Bibliographic Databases of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Species list
- BBC - Vine seeds become 'giant gliders'