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The rapeseed pods are green and elongated siliquae during development that eventually ripen to brown. They grow on pedicels 1 to 3 cm (3 ⁄ 8 to 1 + 3 ⁄ 16 in) long, and can range from 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) in length. [8] Each pod has two compartments separated by an inner central wall within which a row of seeds develops. [10]
The ripe seed is on the shrub for approximately six months and ripens in winter which allows plenty of time for dispersal via birds and other animals. During Spring, this species produces pale green leaves with white tomentum, which creates contrast against the old foliage with the dark leaves and red flowers.
The capsules explode when ripe, splitting into segments and launching seeds at 70 m/s (250 km/h; 160 mph). [5] One source states that ripe capsules catapult their seeds as far as 100 m (330 ft). [ 9 ] [ verification needed ] Another source states that seeds are thrown as far as 45 m (150 ft) from a tree, with a mode of about 30 m (100 ft). [ 10 ]
The tree produces spiky green fruits about the size of a golf ball, which turn brown and drop off the tree over an extended period beginning in fall and continuing over the winter.
The Omaha and Ponca used the plant to prepare corn seed for planting. The Dakota ate the fruit right off of the plant and the Pawnee ate them to sate their thirst. [6] The fruit dries out once the seeds ripen, making them become tough and inedible by midsummer. [12] It was used as medicine for horses by the Lakota people. [13]
The fruit is a single-seeded pod, 1.5 to 3 mm in diameter, [9] that does not open upon maturation, but hardens and turns black when ripe. Each pod contains a single amber-colored seed. [10] Like other legumes, the roots of black medick contain nodules hosting nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Plants that survive for more than one year may develop a ...
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The seeds are arranged in 2 rows, or staggered in a zigzag pattern, towards the centre of the pod, which in turn consists of 2 valves, so a cross-section of the fruit shows 4 seeds in total. This is a distinguishing feature of the genus Diplotaxis , although it is not always easy to see, as plants are not self-pollinating, so ripe seeds do not ...