Xerochasy
/ˌzɪərəʊˈkeɪsi/noun
Seed dispersal caused by the drying and splitting or opening of a plant structure.
Did you know?Xerochasy is the dry counterpart of hygrochasy: some plants open when they lose moisture, while others respond to humidity or rain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ξηρός (xērós)
“Dry; arid”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χάσις (chásis)
“A gap, opening, or gaping”
19th Century
Scientific Greek
xero-
“A combining form meaning dry”
19th Century
Scientific Greek
-chasy
“A combining form referring to opening or splitting”
20th Century
Botanical English
xerochasy
“Seed release through drying-induced opening of a fruit or other plant structure”
Modern English
English
xerochasy
“Drying-triggered seed dispersal”