pyxidium

9.9

A seed pod whose top falls off to let seeds out, like in a plantain

noun

Specialized

: pixidio

The plantain releases its seeds when the pyxidium loses its upper part.

Examples

The pyxidium of the plantain opens to release seeds.
Each pyxidium contains numerous seeds.
Many botanists study the structure of the pyxidium in various plant species.
The dried pyxidia can often be found scattered beneath the parent plant.
The pyxidium of the plantain splits open to disperse its seeds into the soil.
Botanists examine how the pyxidium functions to understand seed release in different species.
After the flowers wither, the pyxidium eventually falls off, allowing the seeds to scatter.

Synonyms

seedpod

vspyxidium

1 2.7

A pod that contains seeds and opens when ripe

is broader, being a dry fruit whose top falls off to free seeds

capsule

vspyxidium

Specialized

1 7.0

A dry plant part that splits open to let out seeds or spores

is a specific type where the top falls off rather than splitting open

seed vessel

vspyxidium

Specialized

1 5.2

The part of a plant that holds the small parts that grow into new plants after flowering

is a specific dry fruit whose top detaches to free the seeds

pyxis

vspyxidium

Specialized

9.9

A dry seed capsule with a top that falls off to release seeds

has the same meaning but uses an alternate name

Surface Forms

pyxidium singular

pyxidia plural

Etymology

Pyxidium comes from the Greek root pyxis meaning 'box' and the small ending -idium meaning 'little'. So a pyxidium is like a 'little box' for seeds, which fits the seed capsule that loses its top like a tiny lid to let the seeds out.