How do the dustlike seeds of broomrapes compare with the seeds of some Bignoniaceae species?

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Within the order Lamiales, the seeds of broomrapes (Orobanchaceae) and some species of Bignoniaceae represent two extremes in seed size and morphology.1

  • Broomrapes: These parasitic plants produce numerous, minute, dustlike seeds that are often less than 0.3 mm (0.01 inch) long. These tiny seeds are highly specialized for their parasitic lifestyle, often remaining dormant in the soil until they detect chemical signals from a suitable host root.231
  • Bignoniaceae: In contrast, the seeds of many members of the Bignoniaceae family are typically flat and winged, adapted for different dispersal methods. While broomrape seeds are characterized by their dustlike, microscopic size, the seeds of some Bignoniaceae species are notably large, reaching lengths of several centimetres.41

Both families commonly produce their seeds within capsular fruits, a feature shared by many members of the Lamiales order.341