Anatomical traits of the principal fruits: An overview

Abstract Angiosperms exhibit a wide diversity of fruit with different anatomical traits which reflect their main characteristics, such as metabolism and dispersal system. Fruit pericarp, which in true fruit derives exclusively from ovarian tissues, is always composed by three portions known as exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp; nevertheless, relevant differences exist between and within the different fruit types. This anatomical complexity of plants is strictly related to their metabolism, as different plant organs, tissues or cells are characterized by a specific distribution or concentration of metabolites. A correct understanding of fruit histology and anatomy is thus crucial to support studies regarding fruit metabolomics and genetics. So, in this review, we summarize the main dry and fleshy fruits characteristics, using a common vocabulary to understand clearly their similarity and their differences.