Dehiscence

(1) Dehiscence [ Biology ]
Adjective: Dehiscent
verb: To dehisce (To split open)

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names


	In biology the dehiscence is the release of material by splitting open of an organ or tissue.

(2) Dehiscence [ Botany ]


	In Botany the dehiscence is the spontaneous opening at maturity of a plant structure.

Example of dehiscence:

Of a dry fruit (seed pod): Allowing the discharge of seeds.
Of an anther: Permitting the escape of pollen.
Of a sporangium: Consenting the release of spores.

Compare with: indehiscent (antonym)

(3) Dehiscent fruit [ Botany ]


	A dry (or pulpy) fruit opening spontaneously at ripening in some distinct way and along defined lines allowing the seeds to fall out and be dispersed.

Advertising

Holdfast roots [ Botany ]
Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.

Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994