Anthocarp

/ˈænθoʊkɑːrp/ noun

Definition

A fruit or fruit-like structure that develops from a flower's perianth or other non-ovarian floral parts, not the ovary itself.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthos' (flower) + 'karpos' (fruit). This botanical term distinguishes fruits formed from modified flower parts rather than the ovary.

Kelly Says

A strawberry isn't actually a true berry—it's an anthocarp, a 'fake fruit' where the red fleshy part develops from the flower base, not the ovary, which makes it botanically fascinating to botanists who care about such distinctions.

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