By Susan Milius
Plants generally come across as the “good-luck-and-good-bye” type of mothers. They’re great at making baby clothes, wrapping their seeds in sophisticated coatings that keep away pests but let in spring rains. Plants also typically pack a good lunch for their little ones venturing out into the world. The fatty parts of coconuts, cashews, and peanuts are such good snacks that they appeal to youngsters of other species as well. But now biologists are discovering that some plants make unexpected investments that go beyond the physical characteristics of the seed.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/07/5141.jpg?resize=82%2C150&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/07/5142.jpg?resize=150%2C101&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/07/5143.jpg?resize=91%2C150&ssl=1)
Plant mothers may regulate the temperature of their embryos, somewhat as a bird warms eggs in her nest. Other plants make investments that benefit their offspring after they sprout. Even after they’ve died, parents in several species continue to give their young a boost by providing a sheltering environment. Others prep their offspring in a botanical version of giving good advice to their young.