Question

In groundnut or peanut the fruit is
(a)Geocarpic
(b)Amphicarpic
(c)Photocarpic
(d)Epicarpic

Answer 1

Hint: The groundnut or peanut is a false fruit that grows below the surface of the ground. This means that when you look at the plant you will not be able to see the fruits as it is present underground.

Complete answer:
In the groundnut or peanut, the fruit is geocarpic because it is grown and ripens below the surface of the ground. The word “geo” in the term geocarpic refers to something related to the earth. Geocarpy is a rare means of plant reproduction where plants are produced via diaspores within the soil.

Additional Information: -The mode production and ripening of fruit below the surface of the ground is known as geocarpic.
-In this mode, the elongation and bending of flower stalk occur after pollination. This bending continues until the ovary touches the ground.
-Then the ovary is pushed underground by the stalk and the mature fruit develops into a legume pod.
-Amphicarpic fruits are the fruits that ripen at different levels in the plant to fulfill different purposes.
-Photocarpic fruits are the fruits that ripen high up in the air or fully exposed to sunlight.
-Epicarpic fruits are the fruits that ripen just above the surface of the ground.
So, the correct answer is, 'Geocarpic'.

Note: -The geocarpic plants bend their stem until the ovary gets embedded into the ground for reproduction.
-Peanuts or groundnuts are self-pollinating plants; they do not need any external pollinating agent to carry the pollen grains from one plant to another.
-It takes 6 or more weeks for the groundnut or peanut plant to grow after plantation of seed.