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.

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

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

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