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Glite Dictionary
pyxidium

pyxidium

9.9
A seed pod whose top falls off to let seeds out, like in a plantain
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : 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

capsule
vspyxidium
  • Specialized
6 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
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
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
seed vessel
vspyxidium
  • Specialized
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

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.