Capsule

Capsule, in Botany, a dry fruit, formed of several united carpels (syncarpous). When the placentation is parietal or free-central (see PLACENTA), the capsule is of course one-celled; when axile, it is two or more celled. It may open by valves variously placed (see DEHISCENCE), as in foxglove, primrose, and rhododendron; or by pores, as in the poppy or snapdragon; or by a circular slit, as in the pimpernel or monkey-pot (see FRUIT). The word is also applied to gum envelopes for nauseous medicines, to metallic covers for bottles, and to little saucers used in chemistry.