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Fruits are just a means of packaging, protecting and dispersing a plants seeds. They develop as a result of pollination and when the eggs are fertilised. As the embryo grows hormones, such as gibberellin, are produced which cause the fruit to enlarge. The ovary of some fruits actually develops into the fruit wall, and is known as the pericarp. In some species as the fruit ripens it becomes soft and fleshy, or it may dry and harden. Most fleshy fruit parts which are edible is pericarp tissue. However, not always. Sepals and petals, known as the perianth, or an enlarged receptacle, become the edible part. Fruits are divided into various classifications dependant on how they develop and disperse: When the fruits are fully developed, ripe, it is time for them to fulfil their main function, and that is dispersal of the seed. This dispersal is to ensure the survival of the plant for generations to come. There would not be much benefit if the fruit just dropped of the parent plant and the seed germinated underneath it. Competition would be too great between seedlings and the parent plant. So, fruits are dispersed away from the parent plant, to avoid this competition, by several different methods: The seeds pass through the animal's digestive system unharmed. Bird's also eat fleshy fruits and disperse them in the same way. Squirrels and some birds collect nuts, such as acorns, and bury them for future eating. Some of these nuts are never found and will germinate developing into new plants. Mistletoe, which is a parasite, has a sticky coat that will stick to birds feathers and feet and be dispersed to other trees. These fruits are very light and have hairy top growth like parachutes, which are carried in the wind. Sycamore fruits have wings, which help them fly with a spinning motion and disperse them away from the parent plant. Orchid produce vast numbers of dust like seeds, which are dispersed by wind. A coconuts fibrous husk will give adequate buoyancy for it to float for many miles. Peas and beans will also scatter seeds as the pods explode open. As some of the parent plants perish in the fire there is no competition for the emerging seedlings. To learn more about plant life - the basics, just click on any of the links below.
| Plant Life Basics - Roots | | Stems | | Leaves | | Flowers | | Seeds | | Plant Life - The Basics - Main Page | If you have any queries or comments please feel free to
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