 Seed release in B. prionotes is promoted by repeated wetting of the cones . The seed separator that holds the seeds in place is hygroscopic ; its two wings pull together then wet , then spread and curl inwards as it dries out again . In doing so , it functions as a lever , gradually prying seeds out of a follicle over the course of a wet @-@ dry cycle . This adaptation ensures that seed release following fire is delayed until the onset of rain , when germination and seedling survival rates are higher . 
