Pachypodium saundersii empty follicle

This is what the empty husk of the slender follicle of Pachypodium saundersii looks like after it has sprung open and released its seeds. The buff-coloured inside of the structure is smooth, not impairing the flight of departing seeds. The ridge along the margins forms a rim that had sealed fully when the seeds needed the protection still. 

These gracefully curving dry remains may be seen at or near the stem tips for a long time after their task is completed, later to be softened by summer rain and disappear. The follicles become about 10 cm long.