120 



BIOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS 



FIG. 37. Fruit Structure. 



Figs. 1 and 2. The Apple. These drawings are diagrammatic, but intend 

 to show the origin and structure of the regions in one of the more complicated 

 fleshy fruits. 



The outer region, (A) is probably the greatly thickened calyx, as the per- 

 sistance of the five calyx tips at the blossom end would indicate. However 

 some botanists consider it to be an enlarged end of the stem called the re- 

 ceptacle, which has carried up the calyx lobes with its growth. 



The region (B) shows in most apples by being separated from (A) by a faint 

 line or row of dots. This is the fleshy outer wall of the ovary. Inside of this 

 region is where "water cores" sometimes develop. 



(C) is the real "core" of the apple, tough and leathery enclosing the seeds(D). 

 This core has five chambers or cells enclosing one or more seeds. Running 

 through the center is a tough axis to which the seeds are attached, with their 

 points toward the stem end. 



These same parts are shown in the cross section, and the seeds are cut in 

 two which shows the two cotyledons in each. 



In the cavity at the blossom end may sometimes be found the dried up 

 remains of the stigma and stamens. 



The parts included in the apple are the calyx and ovary at least, and pos- 

 sibly others. 



