Silicle, pronounced /ˈsɪlɪkəl/, is a botanical term used to refer to a type of fruit that is characteristic of plants in the Brassicaceae family. This small, dry fruit has two separate chambers and a thin partition that divides them. The spelling of silicle is inspired by the term "siliqua," which is a similar type of fruit in other plant families. The word's pronunciation can be challenging for those unfamiliar with IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) symbols, so it is essential to practice pronunciation with the help of a dictionary or language app.
A silicle is a botanical term used to describe a specific type of fruit found in plants of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is a dry dehiscent fruit that develops from the ovary of a flower after pollination and fertilization. The term silicle is derived from the Latin word "silicula," meaning small pod or little seed vessel.
Silicles are typically small, elongated or flattened capsules that split open longitudinally into two halves, exposing the seeds within. Unlike other fruits that split along two seams, silicles have a unique feature: they split through a partition wall that runs perpendicular to the length of the fruit. This creates two distinct chambers, each containing a row of small seeds. The partition is formed by the fusion of the thin inner walls of the fruit.
Silicles usually possess a papery texture and are often compared to tiny pods. They are particularly characteristic of plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family, such as cabbage, mustard, and radish, among others. Silicles can vary in size and shape, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length. They play a crucial role in dispersing seeds, allowing for the widespread proliferation of these plant species.
In conclusion, a silicle refers to a dry fruit of the mustard family that splits open longitudinally through a partition wall. It is an essential reproductive structure that aids in seed dispersal and is commonly found in plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family.
In bot., a short pod formed like a silique, but about as broad as long, or broader.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "silicle" is derived from the Late Latin word "silicula", which means "small pod" or "small box". "Silicula" is a diminutive form of the Latin word "silva", meaning "forest", "wood", or "grove". The term "silicle" is primarily used in botany to refer to a type of fruit that is characteristic of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), often found in the form of small, flattened, and two-celled pods.