to dehisce
1
9.9
To split open when ripe and release seeds or pollen
- verb
- /dɪˈhɪs/
- Specialized
:
dehiscir
- When the pod matures, it dehisces to scatter seeds in the surrounding soil.
Examples
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The capsule will dehisce and release numerous small seeds.
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The seed pod will dehisce in the summer.
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Some fruits dehisce by splitting along a natural seam when they are ripe.
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When does the flower dehisce?
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The seed pod will dehisce when it is ripe, scattering seeds across the ground.
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As the flowers mature, they dehisce to release their pollen for pollination.
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Many plants utilize this method to dehisce and ensure their survival by spreading their seeds.
How Open
Surface Forms
Etymology
Dehisce comes from Latin parts de- meaning 'apart' and hiscere meaning 'to split open', so it literally means 'open apart'. That's why in botany a pod or capsule dehisces when it splits open to let seeds or pollen out.