Hesperidium
Hesperidium
Hesperidium (pronunciation: hes-per-id-ee-um) is a type of fruit that is primarily found in the Rutaceae family of plants. The term is derived from the Greek word 'Hesperides', which refers to the nymphs in Greek mythology who were tasked with guarding a tree bearing golden apples.
Definition
A Hesperidium is a modified berry with a tough, leathery rind. The interior is divided into segments, which are filled with juice vesicles that come from the endocarp. Examples of hesperidia include oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.
Etymology
The term Hesperidium comes from the Greek word 'Hesperides'. In Greek mythology, the Hesperides were nymphs who guarded a tree bearing golden apples. The term was later adopted in botanical nomenclature to describe fruits that resembled these mythical apples in some way.
Related Terms
- Rutaceae: The plant family to which most hesperidium-bearing plants belong.
- Endocarp: The innermost layer of the pericarp (fruit wall) that often develops into the rind of a hesperidium.
- Pericarp: The part of a fruit formed from the ovary wall, it is divided into three layers: the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp.
- Exocarp: The outermost layer of the pericarp, often forming the protective outer skin of the fruit.
- Mesocarp: The middle layer of the pericarp, which in hesperidia is usually the white, pithy part of the rind.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hesperidium
- Wikipedia's article - Hesperidium
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