Fruit Types Guide

Pericarp Layers

• Exocarp (epicarp): The outermost layer, which may be thin (as in tomatoes) or thick and tough (as in citrus fruits)
• Mesocarp: The middle layer, which may be fleshy (as in peaches), fibrous (as in coconuts), or dry (as in many nuts)
• Endocarp: The innermost layer, which may be papery (as in apples), stony (as in peaches), or fleshy (as in citrus)

Fruit Classification Criteria

Fruits are classified based on several criteria:

• Origin: Whether developed from a single flower or multiple flowers
• Carpel number: Whether developed from a single carpel or multiple carpels
• Dehiscence: Whether the fruit opens at maturity to release seeds
• Texture: Whether the pericarp is predominantly dry or fleshy
• Additional tissues: Whether parts other than the ovary contribute to the fruit

Dry Dehiscent Fruits

Dry dehiscent fruits have a dry pericarp that splits open at maturity to release seeds. This adaptation allows for efficient seed dispersal, often by mechanical means such as explosive dehiscence or by exposing seeds to wind dispersal. The pattern of dehiscence (how and where the fruit opens) is often characteristic of particular plant families and provides valuable identification features.

Follicle

A follicle is a dry fruit that develops from a single carpel and splits along one seam (the ventral suture) to release seeds. Follicles often occur in groups, as they typically develop from flowers with apocarpous gynoecia (separate carpels). The seeds may be arranged in one or two rows along the ventral suture.

Examples of plants with follicles include:

• Milkweeds (Asclepias) in the Apocynaceae family
• Columbines (Aquilegia) and larkspurs (Delphinium) in the Ranunculaceae family
• Magnolias (Magnolia) in the Magnoliaceae family
• Peonies (Paeonia) in the Paeoniaceae family

Legume

A legume (also called a pod) is a dry fruit that develops from a single carpel and splits along two seams (both ventral and dorsal sutures) to release seeds. The seeds are typically arranged in one or two rows along the ventral suture. Legumes are the characteristic fruit type of the Fabaceae family (legume family), one of the largest plant families.

Examples of plants with legumes include:

• Beans and peas (Phaseolus, Pisum) in the Fabaceae family
• Acacias (Acacia) and mimosas (Mimosa) in the Fabaceae family
• Locusts (Robinia) and redbuds (Cercis) in the Fabaceae family

Legumes show considerable variation in size, shape, and texture, from the small, curved pods of clovers to the large, woody pods of some tropical species. Some legumes are modified for specific dispersal mechanisms, such as the explosive dehiscence of touch-me-nots (Impatiens) or the winged samaras of some tropical legumes.

Silique and Silicle

Siliques and silicles are dry fruits that develop from two fused carpels with a central partition (replum) between them. They split from the bottom upward along two seams, leaving the seeds attached temporarily to the persistent replum. The difference between siliques and silicles is in their proportions: siliques are more than twice as long as wide, while silicles are less than twice as long as wide.

These fruit types are characteristic of the Brassicaceae family (mustard family) and provide immediate identification of plants in this family. The seeds are typically arranged in two rows, one in each locule (chamber) of the fruit.

Examples of plants with siliques include:

• Mustards (Brassica) and rockets (Eruca) in the Brassicaceae family
• Wallflowers (Erysimum) and stocks (Matthiola) in the Brassicaceae family

Examples of plants with silicles include:

• Shepherd's purse (Capsella) and pennycress (Thlaspi) in the Brassicaceae family
• Candytuft (Iberis) and peppergrass (Lepidium) in the Brassicaceae family

Capsule

A capsule is a dry fruit that develops from two or more fused carpels and opens at maturity to release seeds. Capsules show diverse patterns of dehiscence, which are often characteristic of particular plant families:

• Loculicidal capsules: Split through the middle of each locule (e.g., lilies, irises)
• Septicidal capsules: Split between the locules, along the septa (e.g., foxgloves, rhododendrons)
• Poricidal capsules: Open through pores or slits (e.g., poppies, snapdragons)
• Circumscissile capsules: Open by a horizontal split, with the top coming off like a lid (e.g., plantains, purslanes)

Capsules are one of the most common fruit types and occur in many plant families. They typically contain numerous seeds, which may be small and dust-like or larger with various adaptations for dispersal.

Examples of plants with capsules include:

• Poppies (Papaver) in the Papaveraceae family (poricidal capsules)
• Irises (Iris) in the Iridaceae family (loculicidal capsules)
• Foxgloves (Digitalis) in the Plantaginaceae family (septicidal capsules)
• Plantains (Plantago) in the Plantaginaceae family (circumscissile capsules)
• Orchids (Orchidaceae family) with dust-like seeds
• Cotton (Gossypium) in the Malvaceae family, with seeds embedded in fibers

Dry Indehiscent Fruits

Dry indehiscent fruits have a dry pericarp that does not split open at maturity. The seeds remain enclosed within the fruit, and the entire fruit serves as the dispersal unit. These fruits have evolved various adaptations for dispersal by wind, water, or animals, often reflected in their external morphology.

Achene

An achene is a small, dry, indehiscent fruit with a single seed that fills the cavity but is not fused to the pericarp. The seed is attached to the pericarp at only one point. Achenes are often mistaken for seeds due to their small size and seed-like appearance.

Examples of plants with achenes include:

• Sunflowers and other Asteraceae, where achenes often have a pappus for wind dispersal
• Buttercups (Ranunculus) in the Ranunculaceae family
• Buckwheat (Fagopyrum) in the Polygonaceae family
• Strawberry (Fragaria) in the Rosaceae family, with achenes on the surface of a fleshy receptacle

Achenes may have various modifications for dispersal, such as the pappus of many Asteraceae (which functions like a parachute for wind dispersal) or the hooked bristles of beggar's ticks (Bidens) for animal dispersal.

Caryopsis (Grain)

A caryopsis or grain is a dry, indehiscent fruit with a single seed where the seed coat is fused to the pericarp. This fruit type is characteristic of the Poaceae family (grass family), which includes important cereal crops such as wheat, rice, corn, and barley.

In many grasses, the caryopsis remains enclosed within protective bracts (lemma and palea) at maturity, forming a unit called a floret. Multiple florets may be arranged in spikelets, which are the basic units of grass inflorescences.

Examples of plants with caryopses include:

• Wheat (Triticum), rice (Oryza), and corn (Zea) in the Poaceae family
• Wild grasses such as fescues (Festuca) and bluegrasses (Poa)

Samara

A samara is a dry, indehiscent fruit with the pericarp extended into a wing to facilitate wind dispersal. The wing may surround the seed-bearing portion (as in elms) or extend from one side (as in maples and ashes). Samaras may occur singly or in pairs, depending on the plant species.

Examples of plants with samaras include:

• Maples (Acer) in the Sapindaceae family, with paired samaras
• Ashes (Fraxinus) in the Oleaceae family, with single samaras
• Elms (Ulmus) in the Ulmaceae family, with circular winged samaras
• Hoptree (Ptelea) in the Rutaceae family

The shape, size, and arrangement of samaras are often characteristic of particular genera and can be valuable for identification, especially when leaves are not present.

Nut

A nut is a dry, indehiscent fruit with a hard, woody pericarp enclosing a single seed. True botanical nuts develop from a compound ovary but typically contain only one seed at maturity due to abortion of other ovules. Nuts are often enclosed in or attached to accessory structures such as cups (as in acorns) or involucres (as in hazelnuts).

Examples of plants with true nuts include:

• Oaks (Quercus) in the Fagaceae family, with nuts (acorns) seated in cups
• Hazelnuts (Corylus) in the Betulaceae family, with nuts enclosed in leafy involucres
• Chestnuts (Castanea) in the Fagaceae family, with nuts enclosed in spiny involucres
• Beeches (Fagus) in the Fagaceae family

Many culinary "nuts" are not true botanical nuts but other types of fruits or seeds, such as almonds (seeds), peanuts (legumes), or coconuts (drupes).

Schizocarp

A schizocarp is a dry fruit that develops from two or more fused carpels and splits at maturity into single-seeded segments called mericarps. Each mericarp contains one seed and remains indehiscent. Schizocarps represent an intermediate condition between dehiscent and indehiscent fruits, as the fruit splits but the individual segments do not open to release seeds.

Examples of plants with schizocarps include:

• Members of the Apiaceae family (carrot family), with two-parted schizocarps
• Mallows (Malva) in the Malvaceae family, with circular schizocarps
• Geraniums (Geranium) in the Geraniaceae family, with distinctive beaked schizocarps
• Maples (Acer), where the schizocarp splits into two winged mericarps (samaras)

The structure and ornamentation of schizocarps, particularly the pattern of ribs, oil ducts, and surface features, are important for identification in the Apiaceae family.

Fleshy Simple Fruits

Fleshy simple fruits have a pericarp that is at least partially succulent or juicy at maturity. These fruits have evolved primarily for animal dispersal, with the fleshy tissues providing a nutritional reward for dispersers. The seeds typically have protective coatings that allow them to pass unharmed through animal digestive systems.

Drupe

A drupe is a fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard, stony endocarp (pit or stone), which is in turn surrounded by a fleshy mesocarp and a thin exocarp (skin). Drupes typically develop from a single carpel, though some may develop from multiple carpels with only one developing to maturity.

Examples of plants with drupes include:

• Stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and cherries (Prunus) in the Rosaceae family
• Olives (Olea) in the Oleaceae family
• Mangoes (Mangifera) in the Anacardiaceae family
• Dogwoods (Cornus) in the Cornaceae family
• Coconuts (Cocos) in the Arecaceae family, with a fibrous mesocarp

The structure of the endocarp (stone) is often characteristic of particular genera and can be valuable for identification. For example, the pitted stone of peaches differs from the smooth stone of cherries, and both differ from the distinctive stones of dogwoods.

Berry

A berry is a fleshy fruit with a soft pericarp throughout, typically containing multiple seeds embedded in the pulp. Berries develop from a single pistil with one or more carpels. The entire pericarp is fleshy, without a stony endocarp, distinguishing berries from drupes.

Examples of plants with true berries include:

• Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants (Solanum) in the Solanaceae family
• Grapes (Vitis) in the Vitaceae family
• Blueberries and cranberries (Vaccinium) in the Ericaceae family
• Bananas (Musa) in the Musaceae family
• Avocados (Persea) in the Lauraceae family, an unusual berry with a single large seed

Many fruits commonly called "berries" in culinary contexts are not true botanical berries. For example, strawberries are aggregate fruits with achenes on a fleshy receptacle, and raspberries are aggregate fruits composed of multiple drupelets.

Pepo

A pepo is a modified berry with a hard rind derived from receptacle tissue fused with the outer pericarp. The inner portion remains fleshy, with seeds embedded in the pulp. Pepos are characteristic of the Cucurbitaceae family (gourd family).

Examples of plants with pepos include:

• Cucumbers and melons (Cucumis) in the Cucurbitaceae family
• Pumpkins and squashes (Cucurbita) in the Cucurbitaceae family
• Watermelons (Citrullus) in the Cucurbitaceae family
• Gourds (various genera) in the Cucurbitaceae family

Hesperidium

A hesperidium is a modified berry with a leathery rind containing oil glands, and with the interior divided into segments filled with juice vesicles. Hesperidia are characteristic of the Citrus genus and related genera in the Rutaceae family.

The distinctive features of hesperidia include:

• A leathery exocarp (rind) with oil glands that produce aromatic oils
• A white, spongy mesocarp (albedo or pith) attached to the rind
• An endocarp that forms membranous segments (carpels)
• Juice vesicles, which are specialized hair-like structures that fill the segments with juice
• Seeds embedded within the segments

Examples of plants with hesperidia include:

• Oranges, lemons, and limes (Citrus) in the Rutaceae family
• Grapefruits and pomelos (Citrus) in the Rutaceae family
• Kumquats (Fortunella) in the Rutaceae family

Other Simple Fleshy Fruits

Several other types of simple fleshy fruits exist, each with distinctive characteristics:

• Balausta: A specialized berry with a leathery rind, numerous seeds with fleshy seed coats, and a complex internal structure. The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is the classic example.
• Amphisarca: A berry with a woody or hard rind, exemplified by the calabash tree (Crescentia) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria).

These specialized fruit types are often characteristic of particular genera or families and can be valuable for identification.

Aggregate of Drupelets

An aggregate of drupelets consists of multiple small drupes (drupelets), each containing a single seed surrounded by a stony endocarp and fleshy mesocarp. These drupelets are typically tightly packed on a central receptacle, forming a cohesive unit that is dispersed as a whole or breaks into individual drupelets when fully ripe.

Examples of plants with aggregates of drupelets include:

• Raspberries and blackberries (Rubus) in the Rosaceae family
• Boysenberries and loganberries (Rubus hybrids) in the Rosaceae family

The structure of the receptacle and the attachment of drupelets can help distinguish between similar fruits. For example, in raspberries, the drupelets separate from the receptacle when the fruit is picked, leaving a hollow core, while in blackberries, the drupelets remain attached to the receptacle, which comes off with the fruit.

Aggregate of Follicles

An aggregate of follicles consists of multiple dry, dehiscent fruits (follicles) that split along one seam to release seeds. Each follicle develops from a separate carpel of the same flower, and the follicles are typically arranged in a whorl or cluster on the receptacle.

Examples of plants with aggregates of follicles include:

• Magnolias (Magnolia) in the Magnoliaceae family
• Larkspurs (Delphinium) and columbines (Aquilegia) in the Ranunculaceae family
• Milkweeds (Asclepias) in the Apocynaceae family
• Star anise (Illicium) in the Schisandraceae family

The number, arrangement, and morphology of follicles can be characteristic of particular genera and provide valuable identification features. For example, the star-shaped arrangement of follicles in star anise is distinctive, as are the elongated, twisted follicles of some milkweeds.

Aggregate of Achenes

An aggregate of achenes consists of multiple small, dry, indehiscent fruits (achenes), each containing a single seed. The achenes are typically arranged on a receptacle that may be flat, convex, or elongated. In some cases, the receptacle may become fleshy and contribute significantly to the dispersal unit.

Examples of plants with aggregates of achenes include:

• Strawberries (Fragaria) in the Rosaceae family, with achenes on a fleshy receptacle
• Buttercups (Ranunculus) in the Ranunculaceae family, with achenes on a dry receptacle
• Anemones (Anemone) in the Ranunculaceae family
• Cinquefoils (Potentilla) in the Rosaceae family

The nature of the receptacle is particularly important for identification in this group. In strawberries, the receptacle becomes fleshy and is the edible part of the "fruit," while the true fruits are the small achenes on its surface. In contrast, buttercups and anemones have dry receptacles, with the achenes being the most conspicuous part of the fruit.

Other Aggregate Fruits

Several other types of aggregate fruits exist, each with distinctive characteristics:

• Aggregate of berries: Multiple small berries developed from separate carpels of a single flower, as in pawpaw (Asimina) in the Annonaceae family.
• Aggregate of samaras: Multiple winged, indehiscent fruits developed from separate carpels of a single flower, as in tulip tree (Liriodendron) in the Magnoliaceae family.
• Etaerio: A general term for any aggregate fruit, sometimes used specifically for aggregates of follicles or achenes.

These specialized aggregate fruit types are often characteristic of particular genera or families and can be valuable for identification.

Sorosis

A sorosis is a multiple fruit that develops from a spike or catkin inflorescence, where the individual fruits and their associated floral parts fuse together to form a fleshy, juicy mass. The most familiar examples are from the Moraceae family (mulberry family).

Examples of plants with sorosis fruits include:

• Mulberries (Morus) in the Moraceae family, where each small juicy part represents a separate flower
• Pineapples (Ananas) in the Bromeliaceae family, where the fleshy inflorescence axis and bracts contribute to the fruit
• Jackfruit and breadfruit (Artocarpus) in the Moraceae family, with large, complex fruits

The structure of sorosis fruits varies considerably among different plant groups. In mulberries, each small juicy part represents a separate flower with a fleshy perianth enclosing a small drupe. In pineapples, the individual fruits (berries) are embedded in a fleshy inflorescence axis, with the bracts and sepals contributing to the edible portion.

Syconium

A syconium is a specialized multiple fruit that develops from a hollow, fleshy receptacle (inflorescence axis) with numerous small flowers lining the inner surface. The receptacle has a small opening (ostiole) at the apex, often guarded by scales. This unique fruit structure is characteristic of figs (Ficus) in the Moraceae family.

The development of a syconium involves a complex process:

1. The inflorescence begins as a hollow receptacle with a small opening at the apex.
2. Numerous tiny flowers develop on the inner surface of the receptacle.
3. In many fig species, specialized wasps enter through the ostiole to pollinate the flowers.
4. After pollination, the flowers develop into small drupes or achenes.
5. The receptacle becomes fleshy and sweet, forming the edible portion of the fig.

Examples of plants with syconium fruits include:

• Common fig (Ficus carica) in the Moraceae family
• Strangler figs and banyan trees (various Ficus species) in the Moraceae family
• Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) in the Moraceae family

Strobile

A strobile is a multiple fruit that develops from a dense spike or catkin inflorescence, where the individual fruits are associated with woody, leathery, or papery bracts or scales. Strobiles are characteristic of many wind-pollinated trees and shrubs, particularly in the Betulaceae family (birch family).

Examples of plants with strobile fruits include:

• Hops (Humulus) in the Cannabaceae family, with papery bracts enclosing achenes
• Alders (Alnus) in the Betulaceae family, with woody, cone-like strobiles
• Birches (Betula) in the Betulaceae family, with cylindrical strobiles that disintegrate at maturity

The term "strobile" is also used for the reproductive structures of gymnosperms such as pines and other conifers, though these are not true fruits as they do not develop from flowers. The cone-like structure of angiosperm strobiles represents a convergent evolution with gymnosperm cones, both adapted for wind dispersal of seeds.

Other Multiple Fruits

Several other types of multiple fruits exist, each with distinctive characteristics:

• Coenocarpium: A general term for any multiple fruit, sometimes used specifically for fruits where the individual flowers are embedded in a fleshy receptacle.
• Syncarp: A multiple fruit formed by the fusion of individual fruits from separate flowers, sometimes used as a synonym for sorosis.

The diversity of multiple fruits reflects the various ways that plants have evolved to package their seeds for efficient dispersal, particularly by animals. The fleshy, nutritious tissues of many multiple fruits provide a reward for animal dispersers, while the seeds pass through the digestive tract unharmed.

Pome

A pome is an accessory fruit in which the fleshy part develops from the hypanthium (floral cup), which surrounds and is fused to the ovary. The true fruit is the core, which develops from the ovary and contains the seeds. Pomes are characteristic of many members of the Rosaceae family, particularly in the subfamily Maloideae.

The structure of a pome includes:

• A fleshy exterior developed from the hypanthium (floral cup)
• A papery or leathery endocarp (core) enclosing the seeds
• Remnants of the calyx often visible at the end opposite the stalk

Examples of plants with pome fruits include:

• Apples and crabapples (Malus) in the Rosaceae family
• Pears (Pyrus) in the Rosaceae family
• Quinces (Cydonia) in the Rosaceae family
• Hawthorns (Crataegus) in the Rosaceae family
• Medlars (Mespilus) in the Rosaceae family

Hip

A hip is an accessory fruit in which the fleshy part develops from a cup-like hypanthium (floral cup) that surrounds but is not fused to the ovary. The true fruits are achenes enclosed within the fleshy hypanthium. Hips are characteristic of roses (Rosa) in the Rosaceae family.

The structure of a hip includes:

• A fleshy, often red or orange, cup-like hypanthium
• Multiple small, hard achenes (the true fruits) inside the hypanthium
• Remnants of the calyx often visible at the end opposite the stalk

Examples of plants with hip fruits include:

• Wild roses (Rosa species) in the Rosaceae family
• Dog roses (Rosa canina) in the Rosaceae family
• Rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa) in the Rosaceae family

Rose hips are often rich in vitamin C and have been used for food and medicine. The fleshy hypanthium attracts birds and other animals, which disperse the enclosed achenes.

Strawberry-like Fruits

In strawberry-like fruits, the fleshy, edible part develops from the receptacle, while the true fruits are small achenes on the surface. These fruits are technically aggregate accessory fruits, as they combine features of aggregate fruits (multiple carpels from a single flower) and accessory fruits (significant contribution from non-ovary tissues).

Examples of plants with strawberry-like fruits include:

• Strawberries (Fragaria) in the Rosaceae family
• Mock strawberries (Duchesnea) in the Rosaceae family

The fleshy receptacle of strawberries is an adaptation for animal dispersal, particularly by birds. The small achenes (true fruits) pass through the digestive tract unharmed and are deposited with feces, which provides nutrients for the developing seedling.

Other Accessory Fruits

Several other types of accessory fruits exist, each with distinctive characteristics:

• Nut with cupule: A nut partially enclosed by a cup-like structure derived from bracts, as in acorns (Quercus) in the Fagaceae family.
• Nut with involucre: A nut enclosed in a leafy or spiny covering derived from bracts, as in hazelnuts (Corylus) and chestnuts (Castanea) in the Fagaceae family.
• Pineapple: A multiple accessory fruit where both the individual berries and the fleshy inflorescence axis contribute to the edible portion.
• Cashew: An unusual accessory fruit where the true fruit (a drupe) is attached to a swollen, fleshy peduncle (cashew apple).

These specialized accessory fruit types are often characteristic of particular genera or families and can be valuable for identification.

Wind Dispersal (Anemochory)

Wind-dispersed fruits have adaptations that increase their surface area relative to their weight, allowing them to be carried by air currents. These adaptations include wings, plumes, hairs, or inflated structures that create air resistance and slow the rate of fall.

Examples of wind-dispersed fruits include:

• Winged fruits (samaras): Maples (Acer), ashes (Fraxinus), elms (Ulmus)
• Plumed fruits: Dandelions and thistles (Asteraceae) with pappus, willowherbs (Epilobium) with silky hairs
• Dust-like seeds: Orchids (Orchidaceae), poppies (Papaveraceae)
• Tumbleweeds: Russian thistle (Salsola), where the entire plant breaks off and is blown by wind

Wind dispersal is particularly common in open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, and early successional communities, where wind can effectively move seeds over long distances. It is also common in tall trees that extend above the forest canopy, where winds are stronger and more consistent.

Animal Dispersal (Zoochory)

Animal-dispersed fruits have adaptations that attract animals or facilitate attachment to animal fur or feathers. These adaptations include fleshy, nutritious tissues, bright colors, attractive scents, or hooks and barbs for attachment.

Examples of animal-dispersed fruits include:

• Fleshy fruits (endozoochory): Berries, drupes, and pomes that are eaten by animals, with seeds passing through the digestive tract
• Hooked or barbed fruits (epizoochory): Beggar's ticks (Bidens), burdock (Arctium), cocklebur (Xanthium) that attach to fur or clothing
• Nuts and large seeds (synzoochory): Acorns, walnuts, and pine seeds that are collected and stored by animals like squirrels and jays
• Ant-dispersed seeds (myrmecochory): Seeds with elaiosomes (oil bodies) that attract ants, as in violets (Viola) and bloodroot (Sanguinaria)

Animal dispersal allows for directed movement of seeds to suitable habitats and can facilitate long-distance dispersal, particularly by birds and mammals with large home ranges. The co-evolution of fruits and their animal dispersers has led to complex ecological relationships and specialized fruit morphologies.

Water Dispersal (Hydrochory)

Water-dispersed fruits have adaptations that allow them to float or be carried by water currents. These adaptations include air-filled tissues, waxy coatings, or fibrous husks that increase buoyancy, as well as structures that protect seeds from water damage.

Examples of water-dispersed fruits include:

• Coconuts (Cocos): With fibrous husks that allow them to float in ocean currents
• Mangroves (Rhizophora): With viviparous seedlings that float and establish in new locations
• Water lilies (Nymphaea): With fruits that release seeds that float initially, then sink to establish
• Alder (Alnus): With woody cones that release seeds that can float in streams and rivers

Water dispersal is particularly important for plants in aquatic, riparian, and coastal habitats. It can facilitate long-distance dispersal, particularly in ocean currents, and has been responsible for the colonization of remote islands by some plant species.

Mechanical Dispersal (Autochory)

Mechanically dispersed fruits have adaptations that allow them to propel seeds away from the parent plant without the assistance of external agents. These adaptations include explosive dehiscence mechanisms, hygroscopic tissues that respond to changes in humidity, or structures that build up tension as they dry.

Examples of mechanically dispersed fruits include:

• Touch-me-nots (Impatiens): With explosive capsules that forcibly eject seeds when touched
• Witch hazel (Hamamelis): With capsules that forcibly eject seeds as they dry
• Geraniums (Geranium): With a catapult mechanism that flings seeds from the parent plant
• Squirting cucumber (Ecballium): With fruits that explosively eject seeds and fluid when ripe

Mechanical dispersal typically propels seeds over shorter distances than other dispersal mechanisms, but it provides a reliable means of seed dispersal that does not depend on the presence of specific animals, wind conditions, or water. It is often combined with other dispersal mechanisms, such as secondary dispersal by ants or water.