The Fruit

A fruit is a mature (ripened) ovary that develops after fertilisation of the ovule. It is a unique feature of angiosperms (flowering plants). The fruit protects the seed and aids in seed dispersal.

Every biological fruit consists of:

• Pericarp - the ripened ovary wall (the fruit wall)
• Seed(s) - the fertilised, matured ovule(s)

Pericarp Layers:

Types of fruits: A. true fruit (e.g., mango); B. false fruit (e.g., apple)

Cocos nucifera: Drupe longitudinally cut

A fruit that develops exclusively from the ovary after fertilisation. The edible part is the pericarp (ovary wall).

Characteristics:

• Develops only from the fertilised ovary
• Always contains seeds
• Pericarp derived entirely from ovary wall
• Fertilisation is mandatory

Examples: Mango, Coconut, Tomato, Pea, Grape, Plum

A fruit in which other floral parts - such as the thalamus (receptacle) or perianth - also contribute to fruit formation, in addition to the ovary.

Characteristics:

• The ovary is not the sole contributor
• Fleshy edible part = thalamus/receptacle (not pericarp)
• The actual ovary forms only a small inner core

Examples: Apple, Pear, Strawberry, Cashew

A fruit that develops from the ovary without fertilisation of the ovule. Since no fertilisation occurs, no seeds are formed.

Characteristics:

• No fertilisation → no seeds (seedless fruit)
• Can be naturally occurring or artificially induced
• Induced by plant hormones: auxins and gibberellins
• Also called "virgin fruits"

Natural examples: Banana, Pineapple (some varieties)
Induced examples: Seedless grapes, Seedless watermelon, Cucumber (some varieties)

A special type of fleshy true fruit where the endocarp is hard and stony (lignified). Develops from a monocarpellary, superior ovary.

Characteristics:

• Pericarp is clearly differentiated (epicarp + mesocarp + endocarp)
• Endocarp is hard, stony, lignified
• Usually contains one seed
• Also called "stone fruit"

Examples: Mango, Coconut, Plum, Peach, Almond

• Fruit: Develops from the mature ovary after fertilisation and contains seeds.
• Parthenocarpic fruit: Formed without fertilisation, usually seedless (e.g., banana).
• Structure: Fruit consists of pericarp (wall) and seeds; pericarp may be dry or fleshy.
• Pericarp layers: In fleshy fruits, it is divided into epicarp (outer), mesocarp (middle), and endocarp (inner).
• Drupe fruit: Develops from a monocarpellary superior ovary, usually one-seeded (e.g., mango, coconut).
• Types of fruits: True fruits develop from the ovary (mango, coconut); false fruits develop from other floral parts (apple, strawberry, pineapple).