schizocarp

9.9

A dry fruit that splits into parts, each containing one seed

noun
/ˈskɪzəˌkɑrp/

Specialized

: esquizocarpo

When mature, the schizocarp breaks apart, allowing each seed to be dispersed separately.

Examples

Many members of the parsley family form a schizocarp as their fruit.
The schizocarp of the plant opened to release its seeds.
The maple tree produces a schizocarp that splits into two winged seeds.
Many schizocarps develop in dry environments.
Many members of the parsley family form a schizocarp as their fruit.
The maple tree produces a schizocarp that splits into two winged seeds.
When mature, the schizocarp breaks apart, allowing each seed to be dispersed separately.

Synonyms

seedpod

vsschizocarp

1 2.7

A pod that contains seeds and opens when ripe

is a specific dry fruit that splits into single-seeded parts

Surface Forms

schizocarp singular

schizocarps plural

Morphology

schizocarp = schizo- + -carp (opaque) = schizo + carp

Formed from Greek combining forms that are not productive standalone English words; the technical botanical meaning is not derivable by average learners from component knowledge alone.

Etymology

Schizocarp comes from the Greek parts schizo- ('split') and -carp ('fruit'), so it means a 'split fruit' that breaks into parts, each holding a single seed. You can remember schizo- from the word schism ('a split'), which helps explain why a schizocarp opens into separate seed parts.