What might this be? Any ideas?
I am starting a new series, called Mystery Photo. The idea is to show you a photograph and you take a few seconds to study it and think what it might be. Only then are you “allowed” to scroll down and discover the answer!
Let’s see if this little game works and you find it fun and interesting!
Here is the first one:
Use your logic and intuition to see how close you can get to the right answer.
Or maybe you know what they are?
Any ideas?
I came across them this weekend and didn’t know what they were.
They are called “samaras”, which is the technical name given to these types of seeds. These samara belong to the Elm tree. They form after the flowers die, and are this colour only for a short while. They soon become dry, light structures that are carried away by the wind.
Apparently the fresh, tender, green Elm samaras can be eaten! They can be eaten either raw or cooked, and can be used as an ingredient of salads.
If I had known that I would have collected a handful!
So, if you’re out walking this week, keep an eye open for fresh Elm samara – and maybe take a bag with you to collect some!
Denzil Nature 
I knew they were some kind of tree seed pod. What I didn’t know is they are elm. 😀 😀
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Yes that was my conclusion Cee when I first saw them, and had to look them up for a precise ID.
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Oddly, I did know this one. But this keen forager didn’t know they were edible. Thanks!
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I read somewhere that Danish children are given them.
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Sorry, I don’t know; but nature holds many beautiful things for our eyes to behold!
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Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by Mandisa.
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I have not seen these in particular but we have samaras on maples which because of their shapes are sometimes called whirlybirds or copters because of their spinning as they fall. They are also edible.
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Yes I remember throwing those up in the air and watch them helicopter down. Actually don’t tell anyone, but I still do.
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LOL
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A plant? 🤪🤷🏻♀️
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You’re in the right direction Ruth! 🎄
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😊
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I thought it might be some seed, but had no idea what kind of seed it was.
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You were halfway there Aletta.
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😊
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Didn’t know they were edible – learned something today. Thank you!
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I learned that today too Maria.
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I knew they are seeds, but didn’t know of which tree…😄 Thanks for sharing.
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Glad you enjoyed the challenge, and the fun in it.
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This definitely caught my attention .I never saw this seed leaf .Thanks Anita
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Thanks Anita, they are quite striking with their pink and green.
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Pretty sure they don’t thrive here in Portugal, Denzil, which is a pity because they’re attractive as well as edible. Thanks for sharing.
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My eldest son is in your part of the world Jo, generally speaking, walking the Compostela from Cadiz and Sevilla and then through Portugal.
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Wow, that’s a long walk, Denzil! He has great weather at the moment. Possibly a bit hot!
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Yes he’s struggling with the heat but starts at 4:30 am. It’s his third 1000 km Compostela walk. He has done two in the north already.
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Much easier in the north, I would think 🤔 though rain is probably the enemy! He must be a fit lad! 😍
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Fitter than his father, that’s for sure.
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I knew they were seeds as they are similar to Jacaranda seeds. Not many Elm trees around this part of the world
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Not seen many Jacarandas around here either Brian!
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They are similar to the seeds of Ailanthus altissima (“Tree of Heaven”). I see them in the garden and try to collect and dispose of them because I don’t want them coming up all over. It’s interesting that the elm samaras are edible when young; not something I would ever think of sampling.
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Having just looked up Ailanthus seeds, you are right Audrey. I guess a lot of trees have developed these light seeds to disperse hither and thither, although I can understand if they didn’t hither and thither into your garden.
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I’m already used to pulling up dozens of maple and holly seedlings every spring. Ailanthus also spreads by suckers, so are especially unwelcome.
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“Pulling up” doesn’t get any easier with age does it Audrey?
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No, but I use it as an exercise opportunity. It’s better to bend the knees while keeping the back relatively straight than to bend over at the waist.
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I now take a mat with me around the garden to rest one knee on to do the necessary ground work.
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I do that too.
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A fun post! I thought that maybe they were some kind of seed pod but it was just a guess. 😊
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A good guess Pepper!
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I remember these from my school days in North India. We just called them “chilbil” and pulled out the dry parts and ate the seeds! I looked up now and found that there they were indeed Indian Elm seeds 😀.
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That’s interesting! I’m glad the photo reminded you of those memories.
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I also found on the internet that the leaves and seeds have therapeutic properties!
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Good to know!
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