Question

Pepo is a fruit of
A) Cruciferae
B) Leguminosae
C) Cucurbitaceae
D) Liliaceae

Answer 1

Hint: It is a fruit with several ovaries and is covered with thick and hard flesh. It is a type of fruit that is also referred to as drupe. It is a type of indehiscent fruit. It forms a tough rind as it develops into an adult or matures.

Complete answer:
Key features of the fruit are-
• The pepo fruit is a fleshy and several seeded fruit.
• It is a special type of fruit.
• It is achinal or indehiscent fruit.
• It develops from a single ovary which is further divided into several carpels.
• It further develops a tough and firm rind as it matures which is made from thalamus and epicarp.
• It is also a special type of berry.
• It is a small and dry fruit.
• Examples of this type include-Melon, cucumbers, Squashes, etc.
Now, let’s have a look at other families mentioned above in the question.

• Cruciferae- These are medium-sized plants and include Mustards or the cabbage family.
• Leguminosae- These are also known as Fabaceae. These are large and economically important families and these are also known as Legumes, Pea, and Beans.
• Liliaceae-These include the monocot plants and they are perennial and often they are bulbous geophytes. These are native to temperate and subtropical regions. Examples include- Lilies.

Pepo is a fruit of the Cucurbitaceae family. So the correct answer is option (C).

Note:
> The pepo fruit possesses parietal placentation.
> Pepo fruit differs from the pomes (Apples and Pears).
> Pepo is a succulent fruit.
> Pepo develops from an inferior ovary.