What is the Difference Between Aggregate Fruit and Multiple Fruit?

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The key difference between aggregate fruits and multiple fruits lies in their development:

  • Aggregate fruits develop from a single flower with multiple free carpels, which are distinct parts of the ovary. Each small fruit in the aggregate fruit originates from a separate carpel of the flower. Examples of aggregate fruits include strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
  • Multiple fruits develop from many tightly bunched flowers of an inflorescence, which is a group of flowers on a single stalk or peduncle. Each fruit in the multiple fruit originates from a separate flower in the inflorescence. Examples of multiple fruits include pineapple, figs, orange, and mulberry.

In summary:

  • Aggregate fruits are clusters of small fruits derived from multiple ovaries of a single flower.
  • Multiple fruits are fruits from many flowers packed together, originating from an inflorescence.

Comparative Table: Aggregate Fruit vs Multiple Fruit

Here is a table comparing the differences between aggregate fruits and multiple fruits:

Feature Aggregate Fruits Multiple Fruits
Origin Develop from a single flower with multiple free carpels (apocarpous gynoecium) Develop from many strongly grouped flowers of an inflorescence
Structure Cluster of small fruits, each originating from a separate carpel of the flower Fruits from different flowers mature into one mass
Examples Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, peanuts, peas Mulberry, plane tree, fig, breadfruit, pineapple, orange, mulberry

Both aggregate fruits and multiple fruits are multi-ovarian fruits, meaning they originate from multiple ovaries. The key difference between the two is that aggregate fruits develop from a single flower with multiple free carpels, while multiple fruits originate from many strongly grouped flowers of an inflorescence.