Elaiosome

An elaiosome is a fleshy, nutrient-rich structure attached to the seeds of certain plants. Its main purpose is to attract ants, which are drawn to its nutritious contents. When ants carry the elaiosome back to their nests, they inadvertently help disperse the seed far from the parent plant, aiding in colonization and growth in new locations. This mutual relationship benefits both the plant—by spreading its seeds—and the ants—by providing a valuable food source. Elaiosomes are a strategic adaptation that promotes effective seed dispersal through animal interactions.