Describe the characteristics of an ovary which would give rise to the simple fleshy accessory fruit and give an example of the fruit type
An ovary that is inferior, contains numerous carpels, and has fleshy or succulent tissue would give rise to a simple fleshy accessory fruit. These types of fruits generally have one or more seeds that are surrounded by a juicy, edible mesocarp. Examples include grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins.
The characteristics of an ovary that would give rise to a simple fleshy accessory fruit include:
1. Fleshy pericarp: The wall of the ovary, known as the pericarp, is thick and succulent, offering a juicy texture to the fruit.
2. Multiple fused carpels: The ovary consists of multiple carpels that have fused together. This fusion allows for a larger fruit size and a more complex structure.
3. Edible mesocarp: The middle layer of the fruit, known as the mesocarp, is often edible. This provides a source of nutrients and makes the fruit enticing for consumption by animals.
4. Sweet taste: The fruit typically has a sweet flavor, which attracts animals for seed dispersal.
An example of a simple fleshy accessory fruit is the strawberry. The strawberry fruit is derived from a single flower with multiple carpels, which fuse together to form a fleshy receptacle. The tiny dry fruits, containing the seeds, are embedded on the surface of the fleshy receptacle, resulting in the characteristic appearance of a strawberry.