Fig. 231.—Follicle of Larkspur.
Fig. 232.—A Bean Pod.
A 1-loculed pericarp that dehisces on both edges is a legume. Peas and beans are typical examples (Fig. [232]); in fact, this character gives name to the pea family,—Leguminosæ. Often the valves of the legume twist forcibly and expel the seeds, throwing them some distance. The word “pod” is sometimes restricted to legumes, but it is better to use it generically for all dehiscent pericarps.
Fig. 233.—Capsule of Castor-oil Bean after Dehiscence.
A compound pod—dehiscing pericarp of two or more carpels—is a capsule (Figs. [233], [234], [236], [237]). Some capsules are of one locule, but they may have been compound when young (in the ovary stage) and the partitions may have vanished. Sometimes one or more of the carpels are uniformly crowded out by the exclusive growth of other carpels (Fig. [235]). The seeds or parts which are crowded out are said to be aborted.
Fig. 234.—Capsule of Morning Glory.