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Dry Indehiscent Fruits-1
Achenes are One Seeded Dry
Indehiscent Fruits with a closely fitted Pericarp that
is, however, separate from the Seed Coat. The fruits of
Composites like Sunflower can be classified as Achenes.
A Caryopsis is similar to an Achene but the Pericarp adheres to the Seed Coat. Consequently, the fruit is often
mistaken for a seed. Corn kernels are the classic example of a Caryopsis.
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Whole and Split Sunflower
"Seeds". These are actually Fruits called Achenes which contain one Seed. These are also called Cypsellas because the gynoecium is composed of two carpels rather than one. However, it is sufficient to remember them as Achenes for this class. |
| Nuts are essentially large Achenes with very hard Pericarps. They usually contain one seed although there may be more than one carpel. | |
 Acorns are Nuts produced by Oaks (Quercus) |
 The famous Beechnut: Its spiny projections probably assist its dispersal. |
 Diagram of a Caryopsis like that found with Corn and Wheat |
 Long Section through a Wheat Caryopsis |
| High Magnification View of the Pericarp and Seed Coat of a Wheat Caryopsis. It is hard to tell where one begin and the other ends. |  |
