Accessory fruit

Creator(s): S. A. Mori

Description: The fruit of a strawberry is called an accessory fruit because the fleshy pulp is derived from the receptacle of the flower. It is also an aggregate fruit because it consists of numerous small achenes that developed from an apocarpous gynoecium. The achenes are embedded in the fleshy pulp. A. An entire strawberry (lower left), a strawberry in medial, longitudinal section top row, and a cross of a strawberry. B. Achenes. C. Achenes. D. Size of achenes.

Rights: Rights reside with creator, otherwise property of NYBG.

  • Title

    Accessory fruit

  • Definition

    A type of fleshy fruit that includes some other part of the flower in addition to that which is derived from the ovary. Accessory fruits are usually indehiscent. Examples of this type of fruit are apples, figs, and strawberries.

  • Related Terms

    Fruit

    Aggregate fruit

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