More - https://www.eonsofawe.com/2025/07/Achenes.html
#achene #strawberry #fruit #facts
Ever noticed those tiny specks on strawberries? They’re not just decorations. They’re called "achenes" and each one is a tiny fruit in it's own right. That’s right, strawberries aren’t actually berries in the botanical sense! Unlike true berries (such as grapes and blueberries) which develop from a single ovary, strawberries come from multiple ovaries of a single flower. This makes them an aggregate fruit and not a true berry. Each achene contains a miniature seed inside, meaning that when you eat a strawberry, you’re technically munching on hundreds of little fruits at once. This explains why you’ll never find a strawberry with a smooth surface because this is nature’s way of packing in extra chances for reproduction. So, why are the seeds outside? It’s all down to evolution. Some scientists believe that strawberries developed this trait to be more appealing to animals which would eat them and spread their seeds far and wide. Unlike other fruits, where seeds are hidden inside juicy flesh, strawberry achenes are already exposed and ready to hitch a ride to new growing locations. Fun fact - The average strawberry has about 200 achenes though this can vary depending on the variety. Next time you enjoy one, take a closer look, you're not just eating a fruit but also experiencing one of nature’s cleverest designs.
