Editing Achene

An '''achene''' is a type of simple dry [[fruit]] produced by many species of [[flowering plant]]. Achenes are characterized by a single seed that is enclosed in a hard, indehiscent outer shell. This means that the seed does not naturally open to release the seed when it is mature. Achenes are a common fruit type in the [[Asteraceae]] family, which includes plants such as [[sunflowers]] and [[dandelions]].

== Morphology ==

The structure of an achene consists of a single seed that is attached to the pericarp (the fruit wall) at a single point. The pericarp is typically thin and does not fuse with the seed coat, allowing the seed to be easily separated from the fruit. This is in contrast to other fruit types such as [[caryopsis]], where the seed coat is fused to the pericarp.

[[File:Flower morphology - longitudinal section showing achene formation and hypanthium in Rosa-01.svg|thumb|right|Longitudinal section showing achene formation in ''Rosa'']]

== Types of Achenes ==

=== Cypsela ===

A '''cypsela''' is a type of achene that is derived from an inferior ovary, typical of the [[Asteraceae]] family. The cypsela often has a pappus, which is a modified calyx that aids in wind dispersal.

[[File:Cypsela Cynara.JPG|thumb|right|Cypsela of ''Cynara'']]

=== Samara ===

A '''samara''' is a winged achene, which aids in wind dispersal. This type of fruit is common in trees such as [[maples]] (''Acer'').

[[File:Acer buergerianum seeds.jpg|thumb|right|Samara of ''Acer buergerianum'']]

== Dispersal Mechanisms ==

Achenes are often adapted for dispersal by wind, water, or animals. The presence of structures such as pappi or wings can enhance the ability of the achene to be carried over long distances.

=== Wind Dispersal ===

Many achenes, such as those of the [[dandelion]] (''Taraxacum''), have a pappus that acts like a parachute, allowing the seed to be carried by the wind.

[[File:Make a Wish by Vefobitseq.jpg|thumb|right|Dandelion achenes ready for wind dispersal]]

=== Animal Dispersal ===

Some achenes are adapted to be dispersed by animals. They may have hooks or barbs that attach to animal fur, or they may be ingested and later excreted by animals.

== Examples of Plants with Achenes ==

* [[Dandelion]] (''Taraxacum'')
* [[Sunflower]] (''Helianthus'')
* [[Buttercup]] (''Ranunculus'')
* [[Strawberry]] (''Fragaria'')

== Achene gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Acer_buergerianum_seeds.jpg|Acer buergerianum seeds
File:Pulsatilla_alpina_fruit.JPG|Pulsatilla alpina fruit
File:Coreopsis_tinctoria_cultivar_Uptick_Cream_and_Red_12.JPG|Coreopsis tinctoria cultivar Uptick Cream and Red
File:Coreopsis_tinctoria_cultivar_Uptick_Cream_and_Red_13-achenes.jpg|Coreopsis tinctoria cultivar Uptick Cream and Red achenes
</gallery>

== Related Pages ==

* [[Fruit]]
* [[Seed]]
* [[Dispersal (botany)]]
* [[Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Fruit]]
[[Category:Plant morphology]]