SILIQUES Meaning and
Definition
-
Siliques are botanical structures that are part of the reproductive system of angiosperms, specifically plants belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). They are a type of fruit or seed capsule that develops from the fertilized ovary of a flower. Siliques are characterized by their long and narrow shape, typically elongated and cylindrical, with two parallel sides and rounded tips. They are often referred to as pods due to their resemblance to pea pods.
The walls of siliques are composed of two distinct layers, known as valves, which are joined by a central seam called a replum. These valves split open when the siliques mature, releasing the seeds held within. The seeds are arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the replum, and each seed is attached to a central placenta.
Siliques play a crucial role in the dispersal of seeds of mustard family plants. When the valves split open, the released seeds are often propelled away from the parent plant, aided by wind, water, or animals. This dispersal mechanism allows the seeds to colonize new areas and ensures the survival and continuation of the plant species.
Siliques are an important feature in botanical identification and classification, helping to differentiate species within the mustard family. Their unique structure and mode of dehiscence (splitting open) make them distinct from other types of fruits or capsules found in different plant families.
Etymology of SILIQUES
The word "siliques" comes from the Latin word "silicis", which means "husk" or "pod". In botany, a silique refers to a type of fruit commonly found in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), characterized by a long, slender shape with two compartments and a thin partition in the middle. The term "siliques" is the plural form of silique, which has been adopted into the English language to describe this specific botanical fruit structure.
