On: Dandelion Seeds Fly Using ‘Impossible’ Method Neve...

[lordnacho]

Yes, the seed is falling, but the vortex slows the fall enough for it to be useful in distributing the seed as far as possible.

[ehnto → lordnacho]

Some seeds have a small leaf attached, making them spin as they fall and slowing their descent for the same purpose. It's not about flying, just about prolonging the time spent in a moving body of air.

[pouetpouet → ehnto]

Sycamore and linden are the perfect example of this.

[2_listerine_pls → lordnacho]

My intuitive understanding is that the vortex is a consequence of the slower flow through and not the other way around.

[salty_biscuits → 2_listerine_pls]

Potential energy from gravity goes to kinetic energy of stable vortex ring rather than kinetic energy of falling down.