How is velcro linked to plants?

Answer 1

Velcro artificailly simulates the seed dispersion method employed by certain plants, namely burs.

Some seed pods are covered with small hooks, these catch in the fur of passing animals and are then transported away from the parent plant - the seed later is removed or falls off to germinate in a new environment.

Velcro is comprised of a system of small hooks and fibres, bonding on contact and only coming apart when manually forced.

Answer 2

Velcro was inspired by burdock burrs, which have tiny hooks that stick to fur and clothing. The inventor of Velcro, George de Mestral, observed this natural phenomenon and used it as the basis for creating a fastening system. Thus, the link between Velcro and plants is through the inspiration drawn from the burdock burrs' ability to cling onto other surfaces.