Fruit Morphology Flashcards
Fruit
a mature ovary, All fertilized ________ contains seed(s).
Seed
mature ovule with embryo that will give way to offspring in suitable conditions.
Pericarp
fruit wall surrounding the mature ovule.
Endocarp
most interior portion of pericarp enclosing seed(s).
Mesocarp
middle portion of pericarp; often fleshy.
Exocarp
most exterior portion of pericarp; skin of fruit.
Pome
pericarp with enlarged fleshy receptacle and tough central core. Fleshy and tasty, Ex: Malus (Apple); Pyrus (Pear).
Drupe
pericarp in 3 layers, Exocarp = epidermis, Mesocarp = fleshy middle layer, Endocarp = stony portion (surrounds seeds), Ex: Ilex; Prunus (Cherry, Peach, Plum).
Berry
entire pericarp (all 3 parts) are fleshy, Tomato; Banana; Blueberry.
2 types of berry
Hesperidium and Pepo
Hesperidium
berry with leathery rind, Ex: Orange; Lemon; Grapefruit.
Pepo
berry with hard rind, Ex: Watermelon; Squash; Pumpkin.
Indehiscent
do not split open at maturity.
Samara
one seed w/ membraneous wing, Ex: Acer (Maple); Ulmus (Elm); Fraxinus (Ash).
Nut
tough, hard exterior, one-seeded fruit, Ex: Quercus (Oak).