Dandelion

1. Each pappus, the bristly head of a seed, contains 100 rod-like filaments on average, each about 7.4mm long and 16.3 μm thick. They also found the po-

rosity of the pappus is nearly 92 percent, meaning it’s mostly empty space up there.

2. A vortex of air is formed above the dandelion that causes it to fly up to a 100 miles. Some call it a bubble but really it is a vortex.

3. The mechanism of this dispersal was unknown until now. The bristles are arranged so that when the pappus falls, air flows between them and creates a low-pressure vortex, like a smoke ring. This vortex travels above the pappus and yet is not attached to it, an invisible yet faithful familiar that generates lift

and prolongs the seed’s descent.

So not only does the pappus of a dandelion seed create this SVR, but it has been determined. It’s also perfectly engineered to stabilize the pocket of air. That’s crucial.

By testing, the authors' saw that dandelion seeds had naturally settled on practically the most efficient means of creating and keeping that crucial vortex going. That 92 percent porosity (empty space in the pappus) was the key.

Thank you God for your wonders of creation.