Question

Endocarp is stony in the fruit of
a. Berry
b. Pome
c. Drupe
d. Pepo

Answer 1

Hint: In fleshy fruits, pericarp is composed of three distinct layers: epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp. Endocarp is the innermost layer that surrounds the seed of fruit, thereby, protecting the seed. Endocarp may be edible or non-edible depending on whether it is fleshy or stony, respectively.

Complete answer:
> Berry is an edible fruit that is small in size and pulpy. Fruit of a berry is fleshy with many seeds and without the stone. It is derived from the single ovary of a flower. Berries include bananas, grapes, tomatoes, etc.

> Pome is a fleshy fruit that possesses endocarp of cartilaginous nature. Its endocarp is derived from the inferior ovary. These fruits have a core that is composed of several small seeds, surrounded by tough membranes. Pome fruits include apples, pears,etc.

> Drupe is a type of fruit that is characterized by the presence of exocarp that is membranous, mesocarp that is fleshy and endocarp which is stony (also known as pit or putamen). These types of fruits usually develop from a single carpel and from those flowers that possess superior ovaries. Drupe fruits include mango, peach, plum, almond, etc.

> Pepo fruit is characterized by the presence of hard epicarp and the endocarp is soft and edible. Pepo fruit includes watermelon, pumpkin, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The characteristic feature of drupe fruit is the presence of stony endocarp, fleshy mesocarp and membranous exocarp. Mango, peach, plum come under the category of drupe fruits. Endocarp is not edible in the case of drupe fruits.