Steinfrüchten

Steinfrüchten, also known as drupes, are a botanical classification of fruit. They are characterized by a fleshy outer skin, a fleshy middle layer called the mesocarp, and a hard, woody inner layer called the endocarp, which encloses a single seed. This hard layer is commonly referred to as the "stone" or "pit" from which the name derives.

The term "Steinfrüchten" is often used interchangeably with "drupe" in botanical contexts. Examples of fruits that fit this description include peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, olives, and coconuts. While some might consider fruits like avocados as Steinfrüchten, their botanical classification can sometimes be debated due to variations in their structure.

The development of a Steinfrüchte begins with a flower that contains a single carpel or multiple fused carpels. As the flower matures, the ovary wall differentiates into the three layers: the exocarp (outer skin), the mesocarp (fleshy part), and the endocarp (stone). The seed is contained within the endocarp.

Many Steinfrüchten are economically important crops, providing food and culinary ingredients worldwide. Their cultivation and consumption are widespread across various cultures. The seed within the stone can also have its own uses, such as in the production of oils or as a source of food in some cases, though many are toxic.