What is "pyxidium"

Pyxidium \Pyx*id"i*um\, n.; pl. Pyxidia. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, dim. a ? a box. See Pyx.] (Bot.)

1. A pod which divides circularly into an upper and lower half, of which the former acts as a kind of lid, as in the pimpernel and purslane.

2. The theca of mosses.

n. (context botany English) A seed capsule in the form of a box, the seeds being released when the top splits off.

1. n. fruit of such plants as the plantain; a capsule whose upper part falls off when the seeds are released [syn: pyxis]

2. [also: pyxidia (pl)]