– Origins and structure:
– Capsule is derived from a compound ovary.
– Capsule composed of two or more carpels.
– Fruit classified based on number of locules in ovary.
– Locules contain ovules or seeds separated by septa.
– Gynoecium locules may be equal to or less than carpels.
– Dehiscence:
– Capsules dehisce to release seeds.
– Indehiscent capsules include Adansonia digitata, Alphitonia, and Merciera.
– Types of dehiscence include loculicidal, septicidal, and circumscissile.
– Some capsules split into valves.
– Poricidal capsules dehisce through pores.
– Specialised capsules:
– Follicle derived from single carpel.
– Legume splits along two sutures.
– Variants of legumes include loments and indehiscent legumes.
– Schizocarp derived from compound ovary.
– Mericarp separates from ovary to form distinct locule unit.
– Nuts:
– Capsules often mislabeled as nuts.
– Capsules release seeds and split apart.
– Nuts are compound ovaries containing single seed and fruit.
– Nuts do not split.
– Example of mislabeled nuts include Brazil nut and Horse-chestnut.
– See also:
– Capsules are not nuts.
– Nuts do not release seeds.
– Brazil nut capsule opens but does not release seeds.
– Seeds germinate inside Brazil nut capsule.
– Capsules and nuts have distinct characteristics.
In botany a capsule is a type of simple, dry, though rarely fleshy dehiscent fruit produced by many species of angiosperms (flowering plants).
.png)