Understanding Achene Fruits: Structure, Characteristics, and Examples

Achene is a type of fruit that is characterized by its small size, hardness, and lack of a visible stigma or style. It is a dry, one-seeded fruit that is commonly found in the family Asteraceae, which includes daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums.

Achene fruits are typically formed from the fusion of three floral organs: the ovary, the style, and the stigma. The ovary is the lower part of the flower that contains the ovules (eggs), while the style is the long, thin structure that connects the ovary to the stigma. The stigma is the sticky surface at the top of the pistil (the long, thin structure that connects the ovary to the ovules) that receives pollen.

In an achene fruit, the ovary wall becomes hard and dry, forming a protective covering around the single seed inside. The style and stigma are often absent or greatly reduced in size, and the seed is released from the fruit when it matures. Achene fruits are often found in plants that produce large numbers of small seeds, such as dandelions, daisies, and sunflowers.