The fruit is the structure that develops from the ovary of the plant after fertilization. The main function of this structure is to contain, protected and facilitate seed dispersal.
The parts of the fruit are the exocarp (outermost layer), the mesocarp and the endocarp (innermost layer). In relation to such parts of the fruit can be two types, fleshy fruits (pericarp cells are alive, and the fruit have a succulent aspect) and nuts (peircarp cells are dead)
In fleshy fruits we find several subtypes:
- Drupe: is formed from the superior ovary. the exocarp is a thin membrane, the mesocarp is fleshy and edible, and endocarp have a petrea consistency.
- Berry: is formed fron the superior ovary, exocarp is thin, mesocarp is fleshy and endocarp is juicy.
- Hesperidium: is a type of berry that is modified, tipical of citrus.. The exocarp is a rough bark, mesocarp is a white spongy tissue and the endocarp consists of lobes, which store liquid.
- Peponidos: the lobes are fused. Endocarp and mesocarp are not different, and the exocarp is rigid and waterproof.
- Pomo: exocarp and mesocarp are fleshy, and endocarp consists of coriaceous structures, which surround the seed.
Finally, it proposed the classification of fruits in climateric (in this fruit there is a increase of ethylene and a increase of respiratory rate) and no-climateric (low levels of ethylene).
