Rick Wright came very close to the right ID for the above natural maple-seed disperser when he called it a "samara."

Technically, it is known as a doohickey or thig-a-ma-jig or -- if you prefer -- a whatchamacallit.

More on doohickeys, thig-a-ma-jigs and whatchamacallits here. (You will thank me. Or not.)

Thanks to all who contributed....