124 



FRUIT. 



[SECTION 14. 



376. The Pyxis is a pod which opens by a circular horizontal line, the 

 upper part forming a lid, as in Purslane (Fig. 404), the Plantain, Hen- 

 bane, etc. In these the dehiscence extends all round, or is cir- 

 cumscissile. So it does in Amaranth (Fig. 387), forming a one- 

 seeded utricular pyxis. In Jeffersouia, the line does not separate 

 quite round, but leaves a portion for a hinge to the lid. 



377. Of Multiple or Collective Fruits, which are properly 



masses of fruits aggregated 

 into one body (as is seen in 

 the Mulberry (Fig. 408), Pine- 

 apple, etc.), there are two kinds 

 with special names aud of pe- 

 culiar structure. 

 378. The Syconium or Fig- 

 403 402 404 fruit (Fig. 405, 406) is a fleshy 



summit of stem, hollowed out, and lined within by a multitude of 

 flowers, the whole becoming pulpy, and in the common fig, luscious. 



405 



401 



axis or 

 minute 



379. The Strobile or Cone (Fig. 411), is the peculiar multiple fruit 

 of Pines, Cypresses, and the like ; hence named Coniferce, viz. cone-bearin? 



FiQ. 401. Silique of a Cadamine or Spring Cress. 



Fig. 402. Silicle of Shepherd's Purse. 403. Same, with one valve removed. 



Fig. 404. Pyxis of Purslane, the lid detaching. 



Fig. 405. A fig-fruit when young. 406. Same in section. 407. Magnified por- 

 tion, a slice, showing some of the flowers. 



Fig. 408. A mulberry. 409. One of the grains younger, enlarged ; seen to be 

 a pistillate flower with calyx becoming fleshy. 410. Same, with fleshy calyx cut 

 across. 



