A compound fruit develops from an
inflorescence. This inflorescence includes floral leaves, petioles, and bracts.
The compound fruits include the following:
1. Pineapple compound fruit: This fruit develops from a spadix or spike in which the flowers are fused, forming a compact mass. An example is the pineapple, whose inflorescence is characterized by succulent sepals. The inflorescence is also characterized by its fleshy or woody axis (Figure 1).
2. Fig compound fruit: This fruit develops from a pear-shaped, hollow, fleshy, or creamy receptacle, which encloses several male and female flowers. The fig is unique in that it relies on a specific wasp for pollination, creating a symbiotic relationship essential for its reproduction. This intricate process highlights the complexity of plant evolution and the interdependence of species within ecosystems. The receptacle grows, becomes fleshy, and forms what is called the fruit. This unique structure allows for a dense aggregation of flowers, maximizing pollination efficiency. Additionally, the fig's intricate development process highlights the fascinating relationship between plant anatomy and reproductive strategies. The receptacle encloses several true fruits, or achenes, that develop from the female flowers located within the receptacle at its base, as in the dragon fruit (Figure 2).
3. Compound berry fruit: Each fruit is surrounded by fleshy, floral leaflets, which are the edible parts, as in raspberries (Figure 3).
References
Hickey, M.; King, C.
(2001). The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms. Cambridge
University Press.
Sinha N,
Sidhu J, Barta J,
Wu J, Cano MP. 2012.
Handbook of Fruits and Fruit Processing. John Wiley
& Sons.
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