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Lantern Plant
Technology > Application > Agriculture
Technology > Application > Everydaytech
Technology > Technology Type or Material > Gengineering
Technology > Technology Levels > High Tech / Hitech
Technology > Technology Type or Material > Organic/Biotech
Technology > Application > Everydaytech
Technology > Technology Type or Material > Gengineering
Technology > Technology Levels > High Tech / Hitech
Technology > Technology Type or Material > Organic/Biotech
 Image from Steve Bowers |
A genetically-engineered, gnarled, bonsai-like potted plant with ivy-like reddish-green leaves.
It produces large, trumpet-like flowers that are transparent, hard as glass and point upwards. At the bottom of the flower a series of glands produce a flammable liquid, not unlike kerosene. A long, spongy stamen can be set alight and used as a wick.
The plant's use as a lantern (for example at parties) is essential in its reproduction cycle; the heat from the burning lamp triggers seed dispersion, and the thermal convection sends the seeds soaring into the air.
The glass-bulb flowers is formed using a series of genes from terrestrial plants of the genus Graminacae, which naturally deposits silica crystals on the edges of their leaves.
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Development Notes
Text by David Hallberg
Initially published on 18 November 2003.
Initially published on 18 November 2003.
