An elastic spiral filament for dispersing the spores, as in some liverworts.

A spirally twisted, filamentous band attached to certain spores and some fossil pollen grains ( Jackson, 1928). Example: Equisetum (Equisetaceae).

in Equisetum, an appendage to the spore.

A plant structure functioning in the distribution of spores, such bands which contract and expand when moistened or dried to disperse spores.

One of four elongate appendages on the spores, as in Equisetum.

A cell or part of a cell which assists in dispersing spores. The elaters change shape as they lose or acquire water, and they will then push against surrounding spores.

An elater is a cell (or structure attached to a cell) that is hygroscopic, and therefore will change shape in response to changes in moisture in the environment. Elaters come in a variety of forms, but are always associated with plant spores. In plants that do not have seeds, they function in dispersing the spores to a new location.