MCQ Detailed View

In plant biology, fruits are classified based on their origin and development. A true fruit is one that develops solely from the ovary of the flower after fertilization. Examples include grapes, dates, and plums. These fruits contain seeds that are the result of fertilized ovules.

On the other hand, a false fruit (pseudocarp) is formed when structures other than the ovary (such as the thalamus, receptacle, or perianth) contribute to the fruit. In such cases, the edible portion of the fruit may not come directly from the ovary.

The apple is the classic example of a false fruit. In an apple, the fleshy edible part is derived mainly from the thalamus (floral receptacle), while the true ovary forms only the small, inner part that houses the seeds. This is why apples are not considered true fruits.

By contrast:

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  Grapes are true berries that develop directly from the ovary.

  
  


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  Dates are true fruits formed from the ovary of the date palm flower.

  
  


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  Plums are also true fruits, specifically drupes, developing only from the ovary.

  
  

Key Points to Remember:

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  True fruit → develops from ovary only (e.g., mango, grapes, dates, plum).

  
  


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  False fruit (pseudocarp) → develops from ovary + other floral parts (e.g., apple, strawberry, cashew).

  
  


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  Apple’s edible portion = thalamus (receptacle).

  
  


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  Exam question answer: Apple (false fruit).

  
  

Thus, the correct option is Apple, making it the best example of a fruit that is not a true fruit.