Explosion Phenomenon Observed from Seed Capsules of Pletekan (Ruellia Tuberosa L.)

Abstract

Explosion phenomenon was observed from a seed capsule of Pletekan (Ruellia tuberosa L.) when this makes a contact with water. The capsule was taken from the plant that is living weirdly in a tropical country of Indonesia. Capsules of brownies green were selected for further measurement of explosion time i.e. time required to crack the capsule. The observation was done based on ultrasonic waves that were reflected by the water surface used. Various weights of the capsules have been observed their explosion phenomena at room temperature and open air. From the observation it was found that the increase of weight from 0.06 to 0.12 g will be followed by the decrease of explosion time exponentially from about 40 to 5 seconds. Meanwhile, the increase of weight was also followed by the decrease exponentially a relative magnitude of explosion as measured through the water’s ripple produced during explosion from 0.25 to 0.00 V. These results are encouraging as the phenomenon observed is able to explore more detail of natural phenomenon shown by the living plant that could be used for further applications besides opening a new knowledge.

Keywords : explosion time, Pletekan, Ruellia tuberosa, water’s ripple