silicle
/ˈsɪlɪkəl/
noun
- A short, broad seed pod found in plants of the mustard family, such as shepherd's purse.
- The silicle of the shepherd's purse plant is shaped like a tiny heart.
- Botanists use the shape of the silicle to identify different mustard species.
- Each silicle contains several small seeds that scatter when the pod dries.