Capsule (fruit)

Capsule (fruit) is a type of simple fruit that is produced by many species of flowering plants. It is a dry fruit that splits open at maturity to release its seeds. The term "capsule" comes from the Latin word capsula, which means "small box".

Structure and Function

A capsule fruit is composed of two or more carpels, which are the female reproductive organs of a flower. These carpels fuse together to form a single structure that encloses the seeds. The walls of the capsule, known as the pericarp, are typically dry and hard at maturity, although they can also be fleshy in some species.

The primary function of a capsule fruit is to protect and disperse the seeds. The hard pericarp provides a protective barrier against predators and environmental conditions, while the mechanism of dehiscence (splitting open) allows for effective seed dispersal. The seeds are often ejected forcefully from the capsule, enabling them to spread over a wide area.

Types of Capsule Fruits

There are several types of capsule fruits, classified based on their structure and mode of dehiscence. These include:

• Loculicidal capsules: These capsules split open along the lines of the carpels, with the seeds being released through the slits that form in the pericarp.
• Septicidal capsules: In these capsules, the walls between the carpels (septa) split open to release the seeds.
• Poricidal capsules: These capsules have pores or lids that open to release the seeds. An example is the poppy (Papaveraceae).

Examples of Plants with Capsule Fruits

Many species of flowering plants produce capsule fruits. Examples include:

• The orchid family (Orchidaceae): Orchids produce tiny, dust-like seeds that are released from a capsule fruit.
• The poppy family (Papaveraceae): Poppies produce a poricidal capsule known as a poppy head.
• The lily family (Liliaceae): Many lilies produce loculicidal or septicidal capsules.

See Also

• Fruit
• Seed dispersal
• Flowering plant