In prostrate spurge, seeds are carried in capsules in groups of how many?

In prostrate spurge, seeds are carried in capsules in groups of how many?

• A. Two
• B. Three
• C. Four
• D. Five

Answer: (B)

The fruit structure of prostrate spurge is the key idea. Its capsule is schizocarpic and naturally splits into three parts (three nutlets) when ripe, with one seed in each part. So each capsule carries three seeds. This three-seed pattern is a characteristic feature of this plant, aligning with how its fruit dehisces. Counts of two, four, or five seeds don’t match the way the capsule opens and releases seeds in this species.

The fruit structure of prostrate spurge is the key idea. Its capsule is schizocarpic and naturally splits into three parts (three nutlets) when ripe, with one seed in each part. So each capsule carries three seeds. This three-seed pattern is a characteristic feature of this plant, aligning with how its fruit dehisces. Counts of two, four, or five seeds don’t match the way the capsule opens and releases seeds in this species.