Dehiscence (botany)
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Dehiscence is the splitting of a mature plant structure along a built-in line of weakness to release its contents. This is common among fruits, anthers and sporangia. Sometimes this involves the compl
Dehiscence of the follicular fruit of milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) revealing seeds within
Septicidal dehiscence. The septa between the locules of Ledum palustre capsules split as the fruit opens, and the seeds are released.
Loculicidal dehiscence. The locules of Lagerstroemia capsules split as the fruit opens, and the septa remain intact.
Loculicidal dehiscence in Peganum harmala
Legume
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Legumes are plants in the pea family Fabaceae, or the fruit or seeds of such plants. When used as a dry grain for human consumption, the seeds are also called pulses. Legumes are grown agriculturally,
Dehiscence (botany)
…and hygrochasy is dehiscence that occurs upon wetting, the fruit being hygroscopic. Dehiscent fruits that are derived from one carpel are follicles or legumes, and those derived from multiple carpels are capsules or siliques. One example of a dehiscent fruit is the silique. This fruit develops from a gynoecium…
A selection of dried pulses and fresh legumes
Root nodules on a Wisteria plant (a hazelnut pictured for comparison)
Legumes play a key role in the nitrogen cycle, making nitrates available to other plants in the soil.
Pulses in a Nanglo tray