Dipogon lignosus pods

    Dipogon lignosus pods

    The thin, green fruit pods of Dipogon lignosus are oblong, linear, somewhat flat and straight in the photo. They are sometimes also described as sickle-shaped; like flower colour variations, the other form may occur elsewhere in the plant’s distribution.

    About five seeds develop in the pod that grows soon after flowering. The seeds are ovoid or ellipsoid and smooth. The rounded calyx, here dark at the base and creamy yellow for the rest, persists at the back of each pod in picture. The calyx lobes are very short and blunt.

    Some style remains are also present at the pod tips. The peduncles in the photo are dull dark red (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Gledhill, 1981; www.plantzafrica.com).