Fruits - Formation, Parts and Types of Fruits: Definition, Classification, Examples, & Facts

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:13 PM IST

Fruit is formed when the ovary matures after fertilisation. Seeds are enclosed inside the fruit. The formation of fruits happens after fertilisation, where the maturation and differentiation of the ovary occurs, forming different layers of the fruit. Fruits are classified broadly into true fruits and false fruits, depending on the maturation of the ovary.

This Story also Contains

What is a Fruit?
Formation of Fruits
Parts of a Fruit
Types of Fruits
MCQs on Fruits
Recommended video on "Fruits"

Fruits - Formation, Parts and Types of Fruits: Definition, Classification, Examples, & Facts

They can also be divided into simple, aggregate, and multiple fruits, depending on how many ovaries mature into the fruit. The type of fruit also determines the seed dispersal by animals, wind, or water. They are economically important in food and agriculture. Fruits are an important topic in the field of biology.

What is a Fruit?

Fruits are the mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually containing seeds, serving as an important means of seed protection and dispersion until they are ready to germinate. They have a great variety of shapes and sizes. They differ in the way of dispersal, like being fleshy fruits, for example, apples and berries, or dry, for example, nuts and grains.

Fruits are one of the essential components in human diets that provide an extensive range of nutrient resources available in the form of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary fibres that maintain sound and healthy appeal through good health and well-being. Fruits also are enriched with agricultural profitability, they contribute to economic activity by offering a living to people through trade and industries spread across the world in fresh consumption, processing, and related by-products.

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Formation of Fruits

Fruits form after fertilisation when the ovary of the flower matures and develops into a fruit, enclosing the seeds formed from ovules. Fruit formation is explained below-

Pollination and Fertilisation

Definition and process of pollination.

It is the transfer of pollen from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma, thereby leading to fertilisation.

Types of pollination:

There are two types of pollination- Self-pollination and cross-pollination. Self-pollination takes place either in the same flower or among flowers on the same plant. On the other hand, cross-pollination occurs among different plants.

Fertilisation process in plants

After the process of pollination, one of the pollen grains germinates onto the stigma and grows down a pollen tube to the ovary, where the sperm cells can fertilise the ovules.

Development of the Ovary into Fruit

Fruit development is explained below-

Post-fertilisation changes in the ovary

After fertilisation, the ovary undergoes many changes whereby it becomes a fruit which acts to protect the seeds under development.

Role of hormones in fruit development.

The hormones auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins control fruit development by promoting cell division and cell expansion.

Stages of fruit development:

The development of fruit involves the primary growth of individual cells subject to an initial increase in their number by cell division, and is followed by cell differentiation that finally leads to mature and ripe fruits ready for seed dispersal.

Parts of a Fruit

A typical fruit consists of the pericarp (outer wall of the ovary), which is divided into three layers—epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp—and the seeds inside. The fruit parts are explained below-

Pericarp

The pericarp refers to that portion of the fruit developed after fertilisation, forming the wall of the ovary, usually surrounding seeds. The pericarp consists of three layers: the exocarp, a skin covering the outer surface of the ovary; the mesocarp, a fleshy layer beneath the exocarp; and the endocarp, the innermost layer around the seed.

Seed

A seed may be defined as the fertilised ovule, primarily comprising the embryo, endosperm, and seed coat.

Importance of seeds in the reproduction of plants

The seed has a huge significance to a plant's life, and its dispersal leads to further propagation of the species. It is a process in which plants produce their next generation.

Accessory Parts

These are the additional structures of the fruit that form a part of the fruit but are not derived from the ovary. Examples include apple hypanthium and strawberry receptacle. Besides protecting seeds from injury, sometimes fruits provide for the ease of dispersal. Example: Apple (hypanthium), Strawberry (receptacle).

Types of Fruits

Fruits are classified into simple, aggregate, and multiple types based on their origin. The fruit types are explained below-

Simple Fruits

For simple fruits derived from one ovary, the pericarp might be fleshy or dry.
Examples include Berries (tomato, grape), Drupes (cherry, peach), and Pomes (apple, pear).

Aggregate Fruits

Fleshy fruit from several ovaries of a single flower, with each ovary swelled to give a small fruitlet.
Examples include Strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry.

Multiple Fruits

Multiple fruits are formed from the ovaries of multiple flowers that grow in a cluster.
Examples include Pineapple, fig, and mulberry.

MCQs on Fruits

Q1. When the whole inflorescence forms the fruit, it is called

Option 1: Aggregate fruit

Option 2: Simple dry fruit

Option 3: Composite fruit

Option 4: Simple fleshy fruit

Correct Answer: (3) Composite fruit

Explanation:

Fruits can be categorised under three major classes:

Simple Fruits develop from a single ovary. They can be either fleshy or dry.
Aggregate Fruits come from a bunch of multiples attached to a single flower that create fruitlets. Good examples include strawberries and raspberries.
Composite Fruits, or false fruits, are formed from an entire inflorescence, combining multiple ovaries and floral parts, such as jackfruit and figs.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3)Composite fruit.

Q2. The edible portion in mango is

Option 1: Mesocarp

Option 2: Epicarp

Option 3: Endocarp

Option 4: All of these

Correct Answer: (1) Mesocarp

Explanation:

The fleshy mesocarp is the edible portion of the mango. The fleshy mesocarp of the mango is rich in sugars, making it sweet and juicy, and is the edible portion consumed by humans. It is a highly nutritious fruit, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, along with dietary fibre and antioxidants. The mango fruit is a drupe, with the mesocarp surrounding a hard endocarp that encases the seed. Known as the "king of fruits," mangoes are enjoyed fresh, dried, or as part of beverages, desserts, and savoury dishes worldwide.

Hence, the correct answer is option (1) Mesocarp

Q3. The coconut water and the edible part of the coconut are equivalent to:

Option 1: Endosperm

Option 2: Endocarp

Option 3: Mesocarp

Option 4: Embryo

Correct Answer: (1) Endosperm

Explanation:

In mango edible part is mesocarp. In ber both epicarp and mesocarp are edible and endocarp is drupe. In almonds & walnuts, the edible part is seed. In coconut, the epicarp is hard & firm, and the mesocarp is thick & consists of fibers. The endocarp is hard & seed is protected in it. The sweet water of coconut is liquid & solid endosperm.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Endosperm.

Other Useful Resources:

Pollen-Pistil Interaction & Outbreeding Devices	Artificial Hybridization in Plants - Emasculation and Bagging
Self incompatibility	Post Fertilization - Events and Changes in Flowering Plants
Differences between Megasporogenesis and Microsporogenesis	Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous Seeds

Recommended video on "Fruits"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a fruit and a vegetable?

The fruits are the ripened ovary of a plant, which comprises seeds that it carries inside it. The vegetables are the other parts of the plant like the roots, stems, or even the leaves.

Culinary classification: Under this classification, most things fall under the fruit category. These are the items that are majorly sweet or sour and go into making the dessert dishes. The vegetables on the other hand are the savory elements and thus appear in the main course.

Examples: Tomatoes and cucumbers, amongst others, are botanically classified as fruits, but are called vegetables.

2. How do seedless fruits develop?

Parthenocarpy: Almost all seedless fruits are the result of parthenocarpy, or fruit growth without fertilization.

Hormonal treatments: Other times people spray plants with giberelins, a type of synthetic plant hormone, to create seedless fruit.

Gene mutations: Some plants have undergone specific types of genetic mutations and are grown to produce seedless fruits; seedless fruits include some varieties of grapes and bananas.

3. What are the health benefits of eating fruits?

A powerhouse of nutrients: By nature itself, fruits are powerhouses of many essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your health.

Sources of dietary fibre: Most fruit is a good source of fibre, thus supporting digestion and a healthy weight.

Disease prevention: Eating fruits regularly will help prevent chronic illness; including heart diseases, cancers, and diabetes.

4. Why do some fruits have a single seed while others have many?

Structure of the ovary: The number of seeds might be determined by the structure of the ovary and the number of ovules inside its chamber.

Evolutionary adaptation: The more seeds in the fruit, the more it ensures it will reproduce, whereas a single-seeded fruit may show greater efficiency in the dispersal process.

Examples: Drupes like peaches are single-seeded, but berries like tomatoes are multiseeded.

5. How do fruits help in seed dispersal?

Fruits attract animals: Most fruits are colourful and sweet attracting fruit-eating animals which are capable of consuming the fruits, and the seeds they cannot digest or break down in their systems are excreted, and mixed with faeces often hardy and ready to sprout.

Fleshy mechanisms of fruits: There exist varieties of structures in some fruits, which help in their dispersion. Wings and hooks allow them to pass through the wind and attach to the bodies of animals.

Aquatic seed dispersal: Some fruits float and are moved by water, where their seeds start new areas.

6. How does fruit formation differ from fruit ripening?

Fruit formation is the development of the ovary into a fruit after fertilization, while fruit ripening is the process of changes in color, texture, flavor, and nutritional content that make the fruit appealing for consumption and seed dispersal.

7. How do seedless fruits form?

Seedless fruits can form through parthenocarpy (fruit development without fertilization) or stenospermocarpy (where embryos abort early in development). These processes can occur naturally or be induced through breeding or hormonal treatments.

8. Why are tomatoes botanically classified as fruits, but often considered vegetables in culinary contexts?

Botanically, tomatoes are fruits because they develop from the ovary of a flowering plant and contain seeds. However, their savory flavor and use in cooking lead to their culinary classification as vegetables.

9. What is the role of ethylene in fruit ripening?

Ethylene is a plant hormone that triggers and coordinates various aspects of fruit ripening, including color change, softening, and flavor development. It's often called the "ripening hormone."

10. What is the evolutionary advantage of producing fleshy fruits?

Fleshy fruits attract animals to eat them, which helps in seed dispersal. The seeds pass through the animal's digestive system and are deposited far from the parent plant, often with natural fertilizer, increasing the chances of successful germination.

11. What role does the pericarp play in fruit structure?

The pericarp is the fruit wall that develops from the ovary wall. It often differentiates into three layers: the exocarp (outer layer), mesocarp (middle layer), and endocarp (inner layer). These layers can have different textures and functions in various fruit types.

12. How do fruits protect seeds?

Fruits protect seeds in various ways: by providing a physical barrier against environmental stresses, containing chemicals that deter pests or herbivores, and in some cases, by providing nutrients to support seed germination.

13. What is the function of fruit color changes during ripening?

Color changes in ripening fruits serve as visual cues to signal readiness for consumption to seed-dispersing animals. These changes often coincide with increased sweetness, softening of flesh, and peak nutritional value.

14. How do fruits contribute to plant biodiversity?

Fruits contribute to plant biodiversity by promoting seed dispersal, which helps plants colonize new areas and maintain genetic diversity. Different fruit types also create diverse ecological niches and food sources for animals.

15. How do fruit flies benefit from overripe fruits?

Fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruits as they provide an ideal environment for laying eggs. The decaying fruit flesh serves as a food source for developing larvae, while yeasts on the fruit surface provide additional nutrients.

16. Why do some plants produce fleshy fruits while others produce dry fruits?

Plants produce different types of fruits based on their seed dispersal strategies. Fleshy fruits attract animals to eat them and disperse seeds through their droppings, while dry fruits often rely on wind or mechanical dispersal methods.

17. What is the difference between a simple fruit and an aggregate fruit?

A simple fruit develops from a single ovary of one flower, like an apple or cherry. An aggregate fruit forms from multiple ovaries of a single flower, such as a raspberry or blackberry.

18. How does a multiple fruit differ from an aggregate fruit?

A multiple fruit develops from the ovaries of multiple flowers in a cluster, like a pineapple or fig. An aggregate fruit, on the other hand, forms from multiple ovaries of a single flower.

19. Why are some fruits considered "false fruits"?

False fruits, also called accessory fruits, are those where the fleshy part develops from plant tissues other than the ovary, such as the receptacle. Strawberries and apples are examples of false fruits.

20. How do dehiscent and indehiscent fruits differ in seed dispersal?

Dehiscent fruits split open at maturity to release their seeds, like pea pods or milkweed pods. Indehiscent fruits do not split open and rely on other methods for seed dispersal, such as being eaten by animals or decaying.

21. What is a fruit in botanical terms?

In botanical terms, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant that contains seeds. It develops from the flower after fertilization and is the plant's way of protecting and dispersing its seeds.

22. How do some plants use mimicry in their fruits?

Some plants produce fruits that mimic the appearance of other objects to aid in seed dispersal. For example, the seeds of Scorpiurus plants resemble caterpillars, which may trick birds into dispersing them.

23. What is the function of the endosperm in fruits and seeds?

The endosperm is a nutritive tissue within seeds that provides nourishment for the developing embryo. In some fruits, like coconuts, the endosperm can also be part of the edible portion.

24. How do fruit size and seed size relate to dispersal strategies?

Generally, plants producing many small seeds tend to rely on wind or water dispersal, while those with fewer, larger seeds often depend on animal dispersal. Larger fruits typically contain more nutrients to support larger seeds.

25. How do some plants use "splash-cup" fruits for seed dispersal?

Splash-cup fruits, found in plants like wood sorrel, have a cup-shaped structure that uses the kinetic energy of falling raindrops to splash out and disperse seeds.

26. How do some plants use explosive dehiscence for seed dispersal?

Some plants, like touch-me-nots (Impatiens), have fruits that build up tension as they dry. When mature, they explosively split open, forcefully ejecting seeds away from the parent plant.

27. What is the difference between a drupe and a berry?

A drupe is a fleshy fruit with a hard, stony pit enclosing the seed (e.g., peach, cherry), while a berry is a fleshy fruit where the entire pericarp is soft and edible, with seeds embedded in the flesh (e.g., tomato, grape).

28. What is the difference between a pome and a hesperidium?

A pome (e.g., apple, pear) is a fleshy fruit where the edible part is derived from the flower's hypanthium, with a papery core containing seeds. A hesperidium (e.g., orange, lemon) is a modified berry with a leathery rind and juicy pulp divided into segments.

29. How do some fruits adapt to water dispersal?

Fruits adapted for water dispersal, like coconuts, often have buoyant structures or air-filled cavities that allow them to float. They may also have waterproof outer layers to protect the seeds during long periods in water.

30. What is the difference between climacteric and non-climacteric fruits?

Climacteric fruits (e.g., bananas, apples) continue to ripen after harvesting due to a surge in ethylene production. Non-climacteric fruits (e.g., grapes, strawberries) do not ripen further after being picked.

31. What is the purpose of the aril in some fruits?

An aril is an extra covering that develops from the ovule in some fruits, such as pomegranates or lychees. It's often brightly colored and fleshy, serving to attract animals for seed dispersal.

32. What is the difference between a schizocarp and a loment?

A schizocarp is a dry fruit that splits into single-seeded segments (mericarps) at maturity, like in maple trees. A loment is a type of legume fruit that breaks into one-seeded segments between the seeds, not at the seeds.

33. How do some fruits adapt to wind dispersal?

Fruits adapted for wind dispersal often have wings, plumes, or other structures that increase their surface area and allow them to be carried by the wind. Examples include maple keys and dandelion seeds.

34. What is the role of auxins in fruit development?

Auxins are plant hormones that stimulate cell division and expansion in developing fruits. They play a crucial role in fruit set, growth, and prevention of premature fruit drop.

35. What is parthenocarpy, and how is it useful in agriculture?

Parthenocarpy is the development of fruit without fertilization or seed formation. It's useful in agriculture for producing seedless fruits like bananas and some varieties of grapes and watermelons.

36. How do fruits contribute to an animal's diet beyond just calories?

Fruits provide various nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that can have health benefits for the animals consuming them.

37. What is the difference between a follicle and a legume?

Both follicles and legumes are dry, dehiscent fruits, but a follicle splits along one seam to release seeds (e.g., milkweed), while a legume typically splits along two seams (e.g., pea pod).

38. How do some plants use ant dispersal (myrmecochory) for their seeds?

Some plants produce seeds with nutrient-rich appendages called elaiosomes. Ants are attracted to these, carry the seeds to their nests, eat the elaiosomes, and discard the seeds, effectively dispersing them.

39. What is the function of fruit abscission?

Fruit abscission is the process by which a plant drops its fruits. It serves to disperse seeds when fruits are ripe, remove damaged or diseased fruits, and conserve resources by shedding excess fruits.

40. How do some fruits protect themselves from premature consumption?

Unripe fruits may contain high levels of tannins or other compounds that make them unpalatable or even toxic. They may also be hard, green (camouflaged), or contain irritants that deter animals until the seeds are mature.

41. What is the difference between a samara and a caryopsis?

A samara is a winged achene adapted for wind dispersal, like maple keys. A caryopsis is a dry, one-seeded fruit where the seed coat is fused to the fruit wall, typical of grasses.

42. How do some plants use zoochory for seed dispersal?

Zoochory is seed dispersal by animals. This can occur through endozoochory (seeds pass through the animal's digestive system) or epizoochory (seeds attach to the animal's exterior).

43. What is the role of the placenta in fruit development?

The placenta is the tissue inside the ovary to which ovules (which become seeds) are attached. It plays a crucial role in supplying nutrients to the developing seeds and can contribute to fruit flesh in some species.

44. How do some fruits adapt to dispersal by water currents in rainforests?

Some rainforest fruits have adaptations like air-filled chambers or corky outer layers that allow them to float in water currents, facilitating dispersal during heavy rains or flooding.

45. What is the difference between a true berry and a pepo?

A true berry is a simple fruit with seeds embedded in the flesh, derived entirely from the ovary (e.g., tomato, grape). A pepo is a modified berry with a hard rind, typical of the cucumber family (e.g., watermelon, pumpkin).

46. How do fruits contribute to the carbon cycle?

As fruits decompose, they return organic matter and nutrients to the soil, contributing to the carbon cycle. When consumed by animals, they also play a role in energy transfer within ecosystems.

47. What is the function of lenticels in some fruits?

Lenticels are small pores in the skin of some fruits (like apples) that allow gas exchange. They play a role in respiration and can affect fruit storage life and quality.

48. How do some plants use thermogenesis in their fruits?

Some plants, like certain aroids, can raise the temperature of their fruits or inflorescences. This can help volatilize scent compounds to attract pollinators or seed dispersers, or protect developing seeds from cold.

49. What is the difference between a syconium and a sorosis?

A syconium is a multiple fruit formed from an inverted inflorescence, with flowers on the inner surface (e.g., fig). A sorosis is a multiple fruit formed from a spike or catkin inflorescence (e.g., pineapple, mulberry).

50. How do some fruits adapt to dispersal by large, extinct animals?

Some large fruits, like those of the Osage orange or avocado, are thought to have evolved for dispersal by now-extinct megafauna. These fruits may now rely on secondary dispersal methods or human cultivation.

51. What is the role of fruit crop load in plant resource allocation?

Fruit crop load affects how a plant allocates its resources. Heavy fruit loads can divert resources from vegetative growth or future reproduction, leading to phenomena like alternate bearing in some tree species.

52. How do some plants use hybrid vigor (heterosis) in fruit production?

Hybrid vigor, or heterosis, can result in offspring with improved characteristics compared to their parents. In fruit production, this can lead to increased yield, fruit size, or quality in first-generation (F1) hybrid plants.

53. What is the function of the cuticle on fruit surfaces?

The cuticle is a waxy layer on the fruit surface that helps prevent water loss, provides a barrier against pathogens, and can influence the fruit's appearance and texture.

54. How do some fruits adapt to dispersal by bats?

Fruits adapted for bat dispersal are often large, with a strong aroma, and hang exposed on the plant. They may be pale in color to be visible at night and have tough skins to withstand bat teeth.

55. What is the evolutionary relationship between fruits and flowers?

Fruits are the mature ovaries of flowers, evolved as a means of seed protection and dispersal. The diversity of fruit types reflects the diversity of flowering plant reproductive strategies and their co-evolution with seed dispersers.