Amphicarpium

/ˌæmfɪˈkɑrpiəm/ noun

Definition

In botany, a structure or type of fruit that develops from flowers capable of producing both aerial and subterranean fruits.

Etymology

Scientific Latin term from Greek amphi- 'both' plus carpium (from carpos 'fruit'). The Latin neuter suffix -ium creates a noun describing the physical fruit structure itself.

Kelly Says

The amphicarpium is nature's filing system—by putting fruits in two different places, plants increase their chances that at least some offspring will survive and spread to new locations!

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