Within a flower’s ovary are one or more ovules, the structures that contain the eggs. If
pollination and fertilization occur, these ovules begin to develop into seeds. At the same time, the ovary also begins to enlarge,
eventually developing into a fruit. Fruits come
in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Examples of mature fruits include the dry capsule
of a poppy, the hard acorn of the oak—or some of the familiar sweet, juicy fruits
such as apples, peaches, and berries.Many common
vegetables are technically fruits—examples include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant,
squash, beans, and pea pods. All of these are mature ovaries containing seeds.
Familiar Fruits
We discuss fruits and seeds in much more detail
in Part II of Exploring the Garden: Plant Relationships & Cycles, in the section on
plant reproduction.
|
|
Food for thought
Just what plant part are we
eating anyway? Can you name the edible plant parts of the following foods? (ex.
lettuce--leaves)
� broccoli
� asparagus
� artichokes
� Brussels sprouts
� celery
(Answers below,
don't peek!)
Answers:
Broccoli--stems, unopened flower buds
Asparagus--young shoots
Artichokes--unopened flower buds
Brussels sprouts--axillary buds
Celery--petiole |
|
