In the coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera), which is a drupe, which botanical layer forms the commercially useful fibrous coir?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Mesocarp
- Outer thin, smooth epicarp,
- Middle fibrous mesocarp (from which commercial coir is extracted),
- Inner stony, hard endocarp enclosing the seed.
- Middle fibrous mesocarp (from which commercial coir is extracted),
- Inner stony, hard endocarp enclosing the seed.
- Step 1: A drupe is a fleshy, single-seeded fruit developing from a monocarpellary superior ovary.
- Step 2: In coconut, the pericarp is differentiated into three distinct layers:
Answer
Mesocarp
Why not the others: 'Epicarp' forms the smooth outer green/brown skin of the coconut; 'Endocarp' forms the hard inner wooden shell with three germination pores; 'Endosperm' represents the edible cellular white meat and liquid coconut water inside the seed.
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