136 



Elementary Botany 



We may divide fruits into those which are dehiscent or 

 break, and those which are indehiscent or do not break, when 

 ripe. 



DEHISCENT FRUITS. 



When a dehiscent fruit opens so that the seeds fall out, it 

 is known as a capsule. The dehiscence may take place longi- 

 tudinally or from top to bottom of the fruit, breaking it into 

 several valves; it is then said to be valvular. Or it may take 

 place in a transverse manner, opening off like a lid, when it is 



Fig. 257. — Capsule of 

 Primula dehiscing by 

 ten teeth. 



Fig. 258. — Capsule orpyxis 

 of Anagallis, with cir- 

 cumscissile dehiscence. 



Fig. 259.— Capsule of Poppy 

 dehiscing by pores bene&th 

 the peltate stigma. 



described as transverse or drmmscissile dehiscence (fig. 258). 

 Or, lastly, there may be small openings or pores, when the dehis- 

 cence '\% porous (fig. 259). 



Fig. 260.— I. Diagram of a loculicidal capsule. II. Diagram of a septicidal capsule. 

 III. Diagram of a septifragal capsule. 



If the longitudinal dehiscence is partial, so as to only take 

 place at the top of the fruit by means of a number of teeth, it 

 is dehiscent by teeth (fig. 257). 



If the dehiscence is complete, it may either take place by 



