Hound's tongue fruits (Cynoglossum columnae) Science Image

Ref: cyno18



Hound's tongue fruits (Cynoglossum columnae). This plant is a member of the Borage family. These are its unripe nutlets which usually occur in groups of four. Each nutlet is 4-5mm across, slightly concave with thickened borders. When the plant dies off the dry nutlets are left on the dead stems. Any animal or human that brushes past will pick up the tenacious seeds which are equipped with tiny hooks borne on the end of pinnacles. This type of plant was the inspiration for the popular hooks and loops material which is used for fastening clothes, shoes and bags.