(pod) A dry dehiscent fruit containing one or more seeds. It develops from a single carpel, which on ripening splits along the ventral and dorsal sutures to form two valves, each bearing seeds alternately on the ventral margin. Dehiscence is due to differential drying of the carpel wall, which in some species may result in explosive release of the seeds. The valves may also twist during dehydration, dislodging any remaining seeds. This type of fruit is typical of the Leguminosae but may also be found in other families. See also lomentum. |
