152 



FRUITS 



Plum ; example of a 

 dnipe. 



shows it. In septicidal dehiscence the frnit separates into 

 parts representing the original carpels. These carpels 

 may still be entire, and they then 

 dehisce individually, usually along 

 the inner edge as if they were folli- 

 cles. When the compartments split 

 in the middle, between the partitions, 

 the mode is" loculicidal dehiscence 

 (Fig. 253). In some cases the dehis- 

 cence is at the top, when it is said to 

 be apical (although several modes of 

 dehiscence are here included). When 

 the whole top comes off, as in purslane and garden portu- 

 laca (Fig. 254) the pod is known as a pyxis. In some cases 

 apical dehiscence is by means of a hole or clefts (Fig. 

 255). In pinks and their allies the dehiscence does not 

 extend much below the apex (Fig. 250). Dehiscence may 

 be basal (Fig. 256). Two-loculed capsules which resem- 

 ble legumes in external appearance are those of catalpa 

 and trumpet -creeper (Figs. 257, 258). 



293. The peculiar capsule of the mustard family, or 

 Cruciferae, is known as a silique when it is distinctly 

 longer than broad (Fig. 240), and a silicle when its 

 breadth nearly equals or exceeds its length (Fig. 259). 

 A cruciferous capsule is 2-carpelled, with a thin par- 

 tition, each locule containing seeds in two rows. The 

 two valves detach from below 

 upwards. Cabbage, turnip, mus- 

 tard, cress, radish, shepherd's 

 purse, sweet alyssum, wallflower, 

 honesty, are examples, 



294. The pericarp may be 

 263. Aggregate fruits of raspberry, fleshy and indeJiiscent. A pulpy 

 pericarp with several or many seeds is a berry (Fig. 260). 

 To the horticulturist a J)erry is a small, soft, edible fruit, 



