Nutlet

Nutlet is a term used in botany to describe a specific type of fruit produced by some flowering plants. Nutlets are small, hard, and indehiscent, meaning they do not split open to release their seeds. They are typically produced by plants in the family Boraginaceae, but can also be found in other families such as Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae.

Characteristics

Nutlets are characterized by their small size and hard texture. They are typically less than 1 cm in diameter, although this can vary depending on the species of plant. The outer surface of the nutlet is often rough or textured, which can aid in seed dispersal by allowing the nutlet to adhere to the fur or feathers of animals.

The interior of the nutlet contains one or more seeds, which are released when the nutlet is broken open. Unlike many other types of fruit, nutlets do not split open on their own to release their seeds. This is a characteristic known as indehiscence.

Distribution and Ecology

Nutlets are produced by a wide variety of plants, many of which are found in temperate regions of the world. They are particularly common in the family Boraginaceae, which includes species such as forget-me-nots and borage. Other families that produce nutlets include Lamiaceae, which includes mints and sages, and Verbenaceae, which includes vervains and lantanas.

The hard, durable nature of nutlets makes them well-suited to a variety of seed dispersal strategies. Some species rely on animals to disperse their nutlets, while others use wind or water. The textured surface of many nutlets can also aid in dispersal by allowing them to adhere to surfaces.

Economic Importance

While nutlets are not typically of major economic importance, some species that produce them are cultivated for other reasons. For example, several species in the family Lamiaceae are grown for their aromatic leaves, which are used in cooking and herbal medicine. Similarly, some species in the family Verbenaceae are grown as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers.

See Also

• Achene
• Samara
• Cypsela
• Schizocarp

References

Nutlet Resources
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