Capsule (in Latin: capsula) is a dry fruit that consists of two parts: an outer wall, the pericarp, and one or more seeds. The pericarp is generally thin and papery but can be thick and fleshy as in some berries. The word “capsule” comes from the Latin for box or case.
A capsule is a type of simple pistil which contains ovules and provides protection for them. The ovules are usually attached to the inside wall of the capsule by means of a stalk called a funiculus. When the capsule matures, it splits open (dehisces) along defined lines to release the seeds.
Some capsules are loculicidal which means that they split between compartments (loculi), while others are septicidal with longitudinal slits allowing each compartment to dehisce separately. A few capsules are valvular meaning that they have flaps or valves which open to release their contents.