A dry dehiscent fruit that develops from a single carpel and splits open along one seam (suture) to release seeds. Follicles are typically found in plants like milkweeds, magnolias, and larkspur.
From Latin 'folliculus' meaning 'small bag or bellows,' diminutive of 'follis' (bag, bellows). The term was adopted into botanical usage in the 18th century to describe fruits that resemble small pouches that split open along one side.
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