schizocarp

Indehiscent (remaining closed) mericarp of Malva moschata

A schizocarp is a dry fruit that develops from multiple carpels. When mature it splits up into mericarps. Mericarps are often 1-seeded as in, for example, Malva, Malvastrum, and Sida. In others, for example, in Abutilon, the mericarps have two or more seeds.

The mericarp is either:

• Dehiscent (splits open to release the seed), for example members of the genus Geranium. This is similar to what happens with a capsule, but with an extra stage.
• Indehiscent (remaining closed), such as in the carrot or in members of the genus Malva.

In Abutilon, the mericarp is sometimes only partially dehiscent and does not release the seed.

External links

• Waynes's Word: Schizocarps of Filaree and Cheeseweed