Heterocarpism

/ˌhɛtərəʊˈkɑːrpɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The condition in plants where different fruits or seeds are produced from the same plant species, with each type adapted to different dispersal methods.

Etymology

From hetero- (different) + -carpism (from Greek karpos, fruit). The term describes the botanical phenomenon where a single plant produces varied fruit structures.

Kelly Says

Some plants are overachievers that produce two or three completely different kinds of fruits—one type floats on water, another gets stuck to animal fur, and a third sinks to the ground. It's like having backup plans for spreading your seeds.

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