cremocarps

Cremocarps are a type of dry, indehiscent fruit that splits into single-seeded segments at maturity. They are characteristic of the Boraginaceae family, commonly known as the borage or forget-me-not family. Each segment of a cremocarp is often referred to as a mericarp, though the term cremocarp specifically refers to the entire fruit that breaks apart. The fruits typically develop from a superior ovary composed of two fused carpels.

The exterior of a cremocarp can vary in texture, sometimes being smooth, but often characterized by prickles, hairs, or tubercles, which aid in dispersal by attaching to the fur of animals. Inside, each mericarp contains a single seed, which is the unit that germinates. The process of splitting into mericarps is known as fragmentation. This dispersal mechanism is a key feature distinguishing cremocarps from other fruit types.

Examples of plants that produce cremocarps include borage (Borago officinalis), forget-me-nots (Myosotis spp.), and heliotrope (Heliotropium spp.). The morphology of cremocarps can be useful in the identification of species within the Boraginaceae family. Their structure represents an adaptation for efficient seed dispersal in their respective environments.