Cypsela

Cypsela, from a Greek name meaning a box, is the name of the fruit characteristic of the great order Compositae (q.v.). It is inferior, consists of two united carpels, is dry, one-chambered, one-seeded, and indehiscent, and generally small in size. It is sometimes, as in the dandelion and thistle, but not always, surmounted by a tuft of hairs or pappus (q.v.). It is sometimes termed an achene, but differs from the true achene in being made up of two carpels, and in being inferior.