Hesperidium

Hesperidium

A Hesperidium is a type of fruit that is characteristic of the Rutaceae family, which includes species such as citrus fruits. The term "Hesperidium" is derived from the Greek word "Hesperides," referring to the nymphs who, in Greek mythology, guarded a blissful garden that bore golden apples.

Structure

The structure of a Hesperidium is unique among other fruit types. It is a modified berry with a thick, leathery rind known as the exocarp or "flavedo". The flavedo contains numerous oil glands, giving citrus fruits their characteristic aroma. Inside the exocarp is the white, spongy mesocarp, also known as the "albedo". The albedo is often bitter and is usually removed before consumption. The innermost layer, the endocarp, contains the juice vesicles and seeds of the fruit.

Development

Hesperidia develop from a flower's ovary after pollination. The ovary walls thicken to form the fruit, and the ovules within the ovary develop into seeds. The juice vesicles develop from hair-like structures on the ovary wall, which elongate and fill with juice.

Examples

Examples of Hesperidia include oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and tangerines. Each of these fruits has the characteristic structure of a Hesperidium, with a thick rind and juice-filled vesicles inside.

See also

• Fruit anatomy
• Citrus
• Rutaceae