Pome

A pome is a type of fruit produced by flowering plants in the subtribe Maleae of the Rosaceae family. In pomes, the fleshy part of the fruit arises largely from the thickened receptacle of the flower, while the true fruit develops from the ovary inside. The central core contains the seeds and is formed from the ovary walls, typically divided into five compartments.

Common examples include the apple (Malus domestica), the pear (Pyrus communis), and the quince (Cydonia oblonga). Medlars (Mespilus germanica) and hawthorns (Crataegus) also bear pomes. The fruit develops from an inferior ovary, and the receptacle tissue contributes to the edible flesh.

Pomes are cultivated in temperate regions for fresh eating, cooking, and processing into juice, jams, and cider. They vary in sweetness, texture, and storage life. Nutritionally they provide dietary fiber and vitamin C.

Taxonomically, pomes are in the Rosaceae, often placed in the tribe Maleae, including Malus, Pyrus, Cydonia, and Mespilus. They are distinct from berries and drupes by their morphological origin and the presence of a central edible core surrounding the seeds.