elaiosome

/ ɪˈleɪəˌsəʊm /

noun

1. an oil-rich body on seeds or fruits that attracts ants, which act as dispersal agents

Word History and Origins

Origin of elaiosome¹

from Greek elaion oil + -some ³

Example Sentences

The plants produce seeds attached to a tasty morsel called an elaiosome.

From Washington Post

"Ants pick up the seed often by grabbing the elaiosome, take it back to their nest and feed on it," said Prof Majer.

From BBC

Some plants exploit this by producing seeds with an elaiosome, a fleshy appendage that attracts ants.

From BBC