Botanical Definition and Types of Fruit

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary definition of a fruit in botanical terms?

The mature, ripened ovary of a flowering plant containing seeds. (correct)

Any part of a plant that is consumable to humans.

The fleshy part of flowering plants that is sweet and edible.

The seedless part of flowering plants that exists before pollination.

What layers make up the pericarp of a fruit?

Seed coat, endosperm, and embryo.

Pistil, stamen, and ovule.

Exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp. (correct)

Core, flesh, and skin.

Which part of the flower is responsible for producing pollen?

Carpels.

Stamens. (correct)

Pistils.

Pericarps.

Which classification applies to fruits that develop from multiple ovaries on a single flower?

Aggregate fruits. Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is categorized as fleshy at maturity?

Apple. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of the Rose Family of plants?

Most members have showy, insect-pollinated flowers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key economic significance of the Rosidae subfamily?

It includes important commercial fruit species. Signup and view all the answers

How are flowering plant fruits primarily classified?

By whether they develop from a superior or inferior ovary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main use of the cashew apples?

Processed into jams and drinks Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the pistachio?

It is a small tree related to the cashew and produces a drupe-like fruit. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Brazil nuts?

They can take up to 15 months to mature. Signup and view all the answers

What makes macadamia nuts distinct among gourmet nuts?

They are regarded as the tastiest of all gourmet nuts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is true regarding the toxicity of macadamia nuts?

They are known to be highly toxic to dogs. Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is known for its extremely pungent aroma and is popular in Southeast Asia?

Durian Signup and view all the answers

What is the native region of the pineapple?

Americas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fruits is a sterile triploid and produces seedless fruit?

Banana Signup and view all the answers

Where is the avocado tree indigenous to?

Central America Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit's leaves are also a source of coarse plant fiber?

Pineapple Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fruit does the date palm produce?

Drupe Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary carbohydrate component of the date fruit?

Sugars Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is characterized as a drupe with a bitter taste?

Walnut Signup and view all the answers

Which tropical fruit has a long history of cultivation, dating back at least 4,000 years?

Mango Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of copra derived from coconuts?

Oil Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is historically significant in relation to the United Fruit Company?

Banana Signup and view all the answers

Which nut is botanically classified as a 'true' nut?

Hazelnut Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is known for its creamy texture and is often made into guacamole?

Avocado Signup and view all the answers

Which family includes species that thrive in acidic soils and have evergreen leaves?

Heath Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the fruit produced by the genus Citrus?

Hesperidium Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk to banana crops that can impact yield?

Black sigatoka fungus Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is associated with the nickname 'limeys' for British sailors during the 18th century?

Lime Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the akee fruit from the Sapindaceae family?

Only fresh, opened arils are edible. Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is primarily used for wine production?

Grape Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fruits is native to the deserts of south-west Africa?

Watermelon Signup and view all the answers

Which species is historically known for preventing scurvy?

Lemon Signup and view all the answers

Which component of citrus fruits is responsible for their aromatic oils used in cosmetics and food?

Peel Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is known for having multi-seeded flesh surrounded by bright red pulp?

Pomegranate Signup and view all the answers

Which family includes prominent edible berries such as blueberry, cranberry, and bilberry?

Heath Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is primarily consumed when fresh or canned and has a pineapple-melon flavor?

Jackfruit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fruits is not frost tolerant and primarily found in tropical or subtropical regions?

Oranges Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes aggregate fruits of the genus Rubus?

The receptacle is removed, creating a hollow appearance. Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit type is produced by members of the subfamily Maloidae?

Pome Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fruits is considered a true berry according to botanical definitions?

Tomato Signup and view all the answers

What component of a drupe is often discarded when consuming fruits like peaches and cherries?

Endocarp Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of triploid apple cultivars?

They cannot pair chromosomes during meiosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit's 'seeds' are actually tiny nut-like simple fruits?

Strawberry Signup and view all the answers

Where did tomato cultivation first originate?

Central America Signup and view all the answers

What was one distinctive use of capsicum peppers in cuisines around the world?

They help to mask the taste of spoiled meat. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of pome fruits is considered inedible?

Core Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a notable exception regarding the consumption of drupes?

Almonds have an edible endocarp Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of the Cucurbita genus within the pumpkin family?

They produce pepo fruits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the hypanthium tissue in pome fruits?

It develops into the edible part of the fruit. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fruits belongs to the genus Fragaria?

Strawberry Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of eggplant varies significantly among varieties?

The size, shape, and color Signup and view all the answers

What is copra primarily used to produce?

Coconut oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the liquid portion of the coconut known as?

Coconut milk Signup and view all the answers

In addition to producing coconut oil, what is another common use of copra?

Food flavoring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the versatility of the coconut?

It offers numerous applications including clothing and materials. Signup and view all the answers

Coconut milk is classified as which type of tissue?

Endosperm tissue Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the historical uses of coconuts for early South Sea islanders?

Drinking vessels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about coconut products is false?

Copra is only used for cooking purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Which fruit is unique for having an edible seed within the Rose family?

Almond Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cashew apple?

Used to produce jams and a popular drink Signup and view all the answers

What defines the endocarp of the pistachio fruit?

Woody and splits open when dry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the cashew?

Has irritant oil that must be removed Signup and view all the answers

From what region is the hazelnut native?

Eurasia Signup and view all the answers

What feature characterizes the fruit of the almond tree?

Bitter mesocarp that is inedible Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the native distribution of the pineapple?

It is a monocot species native to the Americas. Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the pineapple sets it apart from other fruits?

It is a multiple fruit derived from the fusion of many flowers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ingredient of guarana that contributes to its uses in beverages?

Significant amounts of caffeine Signup and view all the answers

In what year were macadamia nuts introduced to Hawaii?

1930 Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate source is breadfruit considered in tropical diets?

Starchy food Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the commercial uses of pineapple leaves?

They are a source of coarse plant fiber. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the structure of a macadamia nut's fruit?

It has a thick shell that encases a single edible seed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these regions is known for selling energy drinks that contain guarana?

European and North American markets Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fruit must be cooked before consuming due to its high starch content?

Breadfruit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship of black and white mulberries to temperate crops?

Minor temperate crops Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes jackfruit from other tropical fruits?

It can be eaten fresh or canned. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the flowers produced by the Citrus family?

They have large, showy, and fragrant flowers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollination do most Citrus flowers primarily engage in?

Insect pollination. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Botanical Definition of Fruit

A fruit is a mature, developed ovary of a flowering plant containing seeds
Structures like cereal grains, legumes, nuts, and berries are classified as fruits according to this definition
Seeds develop from fertilized ovules within an ovary
The ovary wall matures into the pericarp which encloses the seeds
The pericarp has three layers: exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp

Types of Fruits

Fruits are classified according to whether they develop from a superior or inferior ovary, whether they are dry or fleshy at maturity, and whether they're simple, aggregate, or multiple
Superior Ovary: ovary sits above the flower
Inferior Ovary: ovary sits below the flower
Fleshy Fruits: Have large amounts of water and are juicy - examples include apples and oranges
Dry Fruits: Lack water - examples include nuts and grains
Simple Fruits: Develop from a single ovary of a single flower
Aggregate Fruits: Develop from the fusion of multiple ovaries on a single flower
Multiple Fruits: Develop from multiple ovaries of multiple flowers
Simple fruits are the most common

Rose (Rosaceae) Family

A large family of mostly temperate, insect-pollinated plants
Known for their showy flowers produced in the spring
Fruits are often fleshy, large, and showy and many are dispersed by animals
Important economically – many species are cultivated commercially
Consists of four subfamilies:
- Rosoideae:
  - Contains raspberry (Rubus idaeus), blackberry (R.fruticosus), and strawberry (Fragaria ananassa)
  - Produce aggregate fruits that aren't true berries
  - Genus Rubus: Receptacle stays behind when berries are picked, appearing "hollow" – aggregate fruits with many small drupelets
  - Genus Fragaria: Fleshy and sweet receptacle is also eaten – aggregate fruit with numerous achenes or nutlets
- Prunoideae:
  - Contains plum (P.domestica), peach and nectarine (P.persica), apricot (P.armeniaca), cherry (P.avium), and almond (P.dulcis)
  - Most are native to Eastern and Central Asia
  - Produce drupes, which develop from ovaries with a single ovule, resulting in one seed per fruit
  - Exocarp (skin) and mesocarp (fleshy portion) are typically eaten, while the stone (endocarp) is discarded
  - Almonds are a roasted seed, with an inedible pericarp
- Maloideae:
  - Contains apple (Malus domestica), pear (Pyrus communis), and quince (Cydonia oblonga)
  - Produce pomes, fruits that develop from an inferior ovary
  - The edible portion arises from non-floral hypanthium (receptacle) tissue
  - Pericarp is the inedible core containing the seeds
  - Most apples and pears are derived from species native to Eastern and Central Asia, although some pears are thought to be native to Europe
  - Apples are the most economically important members of this subfamily
  - All apple varieties are derived from the same species, Malus domestica
  - The fruit develops from a five-parted inferior ovary
  - Older apple varieties are diploid and produce viable seeds, but most modern cultivars are triploid (sterile and propagated vegetatively)

Tomato (Solanaceae) Family

A large family of eudicot plants with a worldwide distribution
Important in agricultural development in South and Central America
Includes domesticated species such as tobacco, potato, and medicinal plants
Fruits are true berries
Important edible species:
- Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum):
  - Native to Central America, first domesticated by the Mayans
  - Wasn’t initially accepted in Europe due to poisonous members of the family
  - Wild progenitor of modern tomato is smaller and more pungent than modern cultivated types
  - Plant breeding programs have emphasized size and keeping qualities
- Sweet and Capsicum Peppers (Capsicum annuum and C.frutescens):
  - Originated in Central America
  - Mostly hybrids
  - Many cultivars with varying sizes and “hotness” levels
- Eggplant or Aubergine (Solanum melongena):
  - Originated in India
  - Different sizes, shapes, and colors
  - Not very popular in North America, often consumed in India and parts of Europe

Pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae) Family

Also known as the pumpkin family, found worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions
Most are vines with separate male and female flowers
The inferior ovary of the female flower develops into a pepo
Highly mutable and significant in agricultural development in the Old and the New Worlds
Important food crops include:
- Genus Cucurbita: pumpkin (C.maxima), butternut squash (C.moschata), gourd (C.ficifolia), and zucchini (C.pepo) - all native to the Americas
- Genus Cucumis: melons (C.melo) and cucumber (C.sativus) - both native to Africa
- Genus Citrullus: watermelon (C.lanatus) - native to deserts of southwest Africa
- Other important species: chayote (Sechium edule), luffa gourd (Luffa acutangula), and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

Heath (Ericaceae) Family

A large eudicot family with a global distribution, especially in north temperate regions
Most species are woody shrubs that thrive in acidic soils and rely on mycorrhizal associations (fungal)
Leaves are often evergreen, thick, and waxy
Includes many ornamental shrubs like rhododendrons, heathers, and heaths
Genus Vaccinium: includes blueberry (V.corymbosum), bilberry (V.myrtillus), lingonberry (V.vitisidaea), and cranberry (V.macrocarpon)

Citrus (Rutaceae) Family

Mostly restricted to tropical and subtropical regions
Produce large, showy, insect-pollinated flowers
Economically important fruit-producing species belong to the genus Citrus and produce hesperidia
Citrus fruits include:
- Lemon (C.limon)
- Lime (C.aurantiifolia)
- Orange (C.sinensis)
- Mandarin (C.reticulata)
- Grapefruit (C.paradisi)
- Pomelo (C.maxima)
- Kumquat (Fortunella margarita)
- Seville Orange (C.aurantium)
- Makrut Lime (C.hystrix)
Produce aromatic oils used in cosmetics, perfumes, and food additives
Vital source of vitamin C
Dr. James Lind discovered the treatment of scurvy with citrus fruits, leading to the nickname “limeys” for British sailors

Soapberry (Sapindaceae) Family

Includes several Asiatic fruits like longan (Dimocarpus longan), litchi (Litchi chinensis), and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)
The akee (Blighia sapida) is native to tropical West Africa and is widely cultivated in Jamaica
Jamaica’s national dish is “akee and saltfish”
Most of the akee fruit is poisonous, only the fleshy arils are edible if the fruit is fresh and has opened naturally
Consuming immature or over-ripe arils can cause “Jamaican vomiting sickness”
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a species from the Amazonian region of South America
Its fruit has significant amounts of caffeine and is used to produce a caffeinated beverage

Mulberry (Moraceae) Family

Economically important members produce multiple fruits
White and black mulberries are minor temperate crops (Morus alba and M.nigra)
Figs (Ficus carica) are commercially important
Breadfruit and jackfruit are important carbohydrate sources in the tropics
Breadfruit is starchy and must be cooked before eating
Jackfruit’s sweet fleshy segments taste like pineapple and melon

Commercially Important Monocot Fruit

Include:
- Pineapple (Ananas comosus):
  - A monocot species native to the Americas
  - Produces a large multiple fruit resulting from the fusion of 100-200 separate fruits
  - Grown commercially for dessert fruit and to produce a natural protein-degrading enzyme
- Banana (Musa acuminata):
  - Native to Eastern Asia and northern Australia, cultivated in various forms (sweet dessert types and starchy plantains)
  - Sterile triploid plants propagated from stem cuttings – seedless
  - Female flowers form large inflorescences, allowing for bunch harvesting
  - Harvested unripe, transported at cool temperatures, and artificially ripened with ethylene gas
  - The United Fruit Company popularized bananas in North America
  - Bananas are vulnerable to black sigatoka fungus
- Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera):
  - Indigenous to the Near East
  - Date fruit is rich in vitamins and contains carbohydrates (mainly sugars) and protein
- Coconut (Cocos nucifera):
  - Native to South Pacific Islands
  - Produces one of the world’s largest seeds
  - Hard endosperm is known as coconut “meat” or copra, a vital energy source.
  - Copra is used to produce coconut oil
  - Coconut milk, derived from endosperm tissue, is versatile

Commercially Important Dicots

Include:
- Durian (Durio zibethinus):
  - Native to western Malaysia
  - Produces a large, prickly fruit popular in Southeast Asia
  - The fleshy pulp (arils) is eaten
  - Known for its pungent aroma, complex taste, and creamy texture
- Avocado (Persea americana):
  - Indigenous to Central America
  - Mesocarp is rich in oil (like olive oil)
  - Very nutritious and high in calories
  - Guacamole, of Aztec origin, is mashed avocado paste mixed with spices
- Mango (Mangifera indica):
  - Native to India and Malaysia
  - Cultivated for at least 4,000 years
  - Ripened fruit is sold as a sweet dessert fruit
  - Unripe mango fruit is used in Asian and Indian cooking
- Papaya (Carica papaya):
  - Indigenous to Central America
  - Large, yellow fruit is popular in tropical counties
  - Now commonly available in European and North American supermarkets

Nuts

Botanically, the term “nut” refers to dry, one-seeded indehiscent fruits
The term is more commonly used to describe edible, high-protein mealy seeds
Important Temperate Nuts (common definition):
- Walnut (Juglans regia):
  - Indigenous to Southeast Europe and Western Asia
  - Produces a bitter-tasting, drupe-like fruit
  - The “nut”, the woody endocarp, is cracked open to extract the edible seed
- Pecan (Carya illinoinensis):
  - Indigenous to the southern United States and Mexico
  - The fruit splits open at maturity, revealing the “nut”, or woody endocarp
- Almond (Prunus dulcis):
  - Native to Western Asia
  - A member of the Rose family
  - The fruit is a drupe
  - The bitter, inedible mesocarp is removed
  - The “nut” is the endocarp, cracked open to extract the edible seed
- Hazelnut (Corylus avellana):
  - Native to Eurasia
  - A true nut (botanical definition)
Tropical Nuts:
- Cashew (Anacardium occidentale):
  - Native to northeast Brazil
  - A large evergreen tree

Other Temperate Fruits

Grape (Vitis vinifera):
- Native to the Eastern Mediterranean
- Most are used to produce wine (although others are eaten fresh or dried)
Pomegranate (Punica grantum):
- Native to the Middle East
- Multi-seeded fruit, each seed surrounded by a bright red pulp known as the aril
- The pulp is used to produce grenadine
Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa):
- Indigenous to China
- First commercialized in New Zealand - an important export crop
Olive (Olea europea):
- Native to the Mediterranean
- Important source of cooking oil
- Processed as a food by treating with caustic soda, then drying or pickling

Other Tropical Fruits

Many subtropical and tropical plants produce fruit that are wild-harvested or commercially grown
Include:
- Passion fruit
- Guava
- Cherimoya
- Starfruit
- Dragonfruit
- Mangosteen

Cashew

Cashew seeds are roasted to remove irritant oil
Cashew apples are used for jams, candied fruit, and the Brazilian drink cajuado
Both the cashew fruit (cashew apple) and seeds (cashew nuts) are edible

Pistachio

Pistachio trees are native to central Asia
Pistachios are related to cashews - both are in the cashew family
Pistachios have a fleshy drupe-like fruit with a woody endocarp (the "shell") that splits open when dry, revealing a single edible seed

Brazil Nut

Brazil nut trees are native to the Amazonian rainforest (South America)
Brazil nuts are a primary source of income for indigenous Amazonian peoples
The brazil nut fruit is a large woody capsule (up to 2.5 kg) that takes 15 months to mature
Each brazil nut capsule contains 10-25 large edible seeds
Brazil nut trees can reach up to 40 meters in height
Commercial Brazil nut plantations now exist

Macadamia Nut

Macadamia trees are native to southeast Australia
Macadamia trees were introduced to Hawaii in 1930
Macadamia trees are an important commercial crop in Hawaii
Macadamia fruit is round, green-coloured, and splits at maturity
Macadamia fruit contains a thick shell (the endocarp) with a single, white, waxy edible seed
Macadamia nuts are considered one of the tastiest gourmet nuts
Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs

Coconut

Coconut is a drupe fruit
The mesocarp (fruit flesh) is fibrous
The endocarp is the hard shell
The endosperm contains:
- Solid endosperm: copra, used to produce coconut oil
- Liquid endosperm: coconut milk

Almond

The almond is a fleshy drupe fruit
The mesocarp is bitter and inedible
The endocarp (shell) is used to encase the edible almond (seed)
Almonds are classified in the Rose family

Hazelnut

Hazelnut is a tall shrub native to Eurasia
The edible hazelnut is a single seed within a woody pericarp