Seed Pods and Dehiscence

[orchidsarefun]

if left to "ripen" naturally, this is what happens to the pod. I had 3 pods - one is already at the lab, and I left the other 2 on the stem to naturally dehisce.
Process is
- blossom end yellows
- pod cracks open at the blossom end. Seed is released.
- as the pod ages, it "balloons" out, as a result of plant tissue desiccating. Seed continues to be released.
- pod is then fully open. See example.
The white "fluff" nestles the individual seeds and is common to many orchid species.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks!

I've had good luck with seed that has reached the stage of the greener pod you show - split, but it has not turned fully brown.

Just curious, what kind of plant is that?

[orchidsarefun]

its Oncidium Debutante.
It was pollinated on April 12 2013 - so it took 6-7 months. I had it outdoors for much of this time.

Interestingly the blooms were pollinated all at the same time - but the pods ripened from the base up and at distinctly different ages. Must be a "mother nature" thingy to ensure the maximum number of seeds germinate and grow.