** Glossary **
  Home Documents Glossary  

Achene, Cypsela

One of several categories of firm, dry, one-seeded fruits that do not split at maturity.

Technically, the fruit of a species in the composite family (Asteraceae) is called a "cypsela". The distinction between a cypsela and an achene is minor. Many authors still refer to composite fruits as achenes.

Achenes and cypselae come in many sizes and shapes. Those shown below are but a few that serve to illustrate the concept.

 
Figure A.  Achenes of curly dock.  (Rumex crispus)
 
Figure B.  Cypselae of the common sunflower.
(Helianthus annuus)
 
Figure C.  Cypselae of sharp-leaved goldenrod.
(Solidago arguta)

 

x

 

Images and text copyright  Arieh Tal, 2017-2022.  All rights reserved.
( Terms of Use )

X

FLNPS.org