Difference between Dehiscent and Indehiscent Fruits

Dehiscent Fruits

Fruits that split open at the time of maturity are referred to as dehiscent fruits. They open naturally along their line of weakness to shed their seeds. There are three types of dehiscent fruits:

• Follicle: A dry dehiscent fruit formed from 1 carpel that opens only at one side. E.g, peony and milkweed
• Legume: A dry dehiscent fruit formed from 1 carpel that opens on both the sides. E.g, beans and peas
• Capsule: It is a dry dehiscent fruit that is formed from several carpels. E.g, orchid

Indehiscent Fruits

Fruits that do not split open to release their seeds are referred to as indehiscent fruits. They do not have a natural line of weakness to split apart. They are of five major types:

• Achene: It is a dry indehiscent fruit that contains a single seed. The single seed is attached only at one point to the fruit wall. E.g, sunflower
• Nut: A dry indehiscent fruit that has a thick and hard fruit wall. E.g, hazel, walnut
• Samara: A dry indehiscent fruit in which part of the fruit wall grows out into a wing. It can be single or double seeded. E.g, maple
• Grain: A one seeded dry indehiscent fruit in which the fruit wall and the seed coat are fused. E.g, corn, wheat
• Schizocarp: It is a fruit that is formed from several carpels, and at maturity each carpel separates to form a distinct indehiscent fruit. E.g, dill

Dehiscent vs Indehiscent Fruits

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Also Read:

• Why are Cashew & Apples not called True Fruits?
• Significance of Seeds and Fruits Formation
• Seed Dormancy – Causes, Types, Methods and its Importance