Eriosyce aurata (Sandillon) — This seed comes from a cactus found in Chile. “This was selected because it’s got visual personality, with the spikes protecting the seed. You don’t see that in a normal day,” says Biss.Bofiyu (Esenbeckia cornuta) — This endangered species from the citrus family is now restricted to a small area of dry forest in northern Peru, which is under further threat from overgrazing. It is one of 100 seeds and fruits that were specially selected from the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden’s herbarium by photographer Levon Biss, in collaboration with the institution’s botanists — to bring attention to the wonders of these tiny natural marvels.Abrus precatorius (Rosary pea) — The seeds of the rosary pea are used as decoration in necklaces and as beads in percussion instruments, but they are highly toxic and eating only one can kill an adult — something that the plant visually communicates with its edgy looks.Coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) — The coco de mer, also known as double coconut or sea coconut, is a palm native to the Seychelles that produces the world’s largest seed. Traded for centuries for its exotic looks and qualities, it is now highly endangered, with just over 8,000 adult palms left in the wild.Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman’s pipe) — The Aristolochia genus of plants includes over 500 species that live all over the world. This particular seed is one of photographer Levon Biss’ favorite subjects from the exhibition: “It is a clear illustration of how nature has evolved to create adaptations that are purely functional; you can clearly see how it’s made for flight and wind dispersal, and it’s a beautiful object,” he says.
