Erepsia forficata seeds

Seeds from this plant family (Aizoaceae) enclose their seeds in tight capsules (sometimes so tight you need a rock to break them open!). This very protective seed capsule only opens when rain drops fall and soften the hard fibres of the chamber walls. Once opened the seeds are exposed and 'bounce out' with the falling raindrops, all moistened and ready to germinate. The opened capsules form a unique star-shape, each one characteristic of the genus they belong to and therefore are very useful for identification for this family.