Achenes
Achenes
Achenes (/əˈkiːnz/; singular: achene) are a type of simple dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. Achenes are derived from the Ancient Greek word ἀ, meaning 'not', and χαίνειν, meaning 'to gape', referring to the fruit's indehiscent nature.
Definition
An achene is a small, hard, dry, indehiscent fruit containing a single seed in which the seed coat is tightly fitted to the seed (but does not adhere to it), the fruit wall, or pericarp, is derived from the ovary wall of the flower. In many plants, what is called a seed is really an achene, a fruit containing the seed.
Types of Achenes
There are several types of achenes including:
- Cypsela: A cypsela is a type of achene where the fruit is derived from an inferior ovary and is composed of two fused carpels with the calyx tube adherent to the achene.
- Samara: A samara is a type of achene that has a wing extending radially from the fruit. Examples include the seeds of trees such as the ash, maple, and elm.
- Nutlet: A nutlet is a small nut-like achene. It is a term commonly used in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Examples of Achenes
Achenes are found in many plants, including:
- Sunflower: The sunflower seeds that are commonly eaten are actually achenes.
- Strawberry: The small seeds on the outside of a strawberry are actually achenes.
- Dandelion: The dandelion's parachute-like seeds are achenes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Achenes
- Wikipedia's article - Achenes
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