Aggregate fruit

Custard apple, an example of an aggregate fruit

An aggregate fruit is a type of fruit that develops from the ovary of a single flower that has multiple carpels. Each carpel forms a small fruit, and these small fruits are clustered together to form the aggregate fruit. This is in contrast to a simple fruit, which develops from a single carpel, and a multiple fruit, which forms from a cluster of flowers.

Development

Aggregate fruits develop from a single flower with numerous pistils. Each pistil contains an ovary, and as the flower matures, each ovary develops into a small fruitlet. These fruitlets are joined together at the base, forming the aggregate fruit. The structure of aggregate fruits can vary significantly depending on the species.

Examples

Some common examples of aggregate fruits include:

• Blackberry
• Raspberry
• Strawberry
• Custard apple

The custard apple (shown in the image) is a well-known example of an aggregate fruit. It consists of multiple small fruitlets that are fused together, giving it a unique appearance and texture.

Characteristics

Aggregate fruits can vary in size, shape, and texture. The individual fruitlets may be fleshy or dry, and they can be tightly packed or loosely arranged. The overall fruit can be soft and juicy, like a raspberry, or firm and dry, like some types of magnolia fruits.

Related Pages

• Simple fruit
• Multiple fruit
• Fruit anatomy
• Botany