Maple seeds have this shape. While this shape probably does not move the seeds very far from the parent tree, it does bring the seeds down with a twirling motion. As they land in the litter of fallen leaves, that twirling may help them to dig in deeper, closer to the ground. Some plants use moving water to scatter their seeds. One terrestrial plant that does this is the coconut tree.
Coconut trees are flexible and bend a long way in the wind.
During a storm coconuts may fall onto the beach or into the ocean. They float from one island to another and get washed up on the beaches, where the seeds sprout and become new trees. Elizabeth Anne Viau and her licensors. All rights reserved. This material may be used by individuals for instructional purposes but not sold.