Gymnocarpic

/ˌdʒɪmnoʊˈkɑːrpɪk/ adjective

Definition

In botany, describing fruits or fruiting structures that are naked or exposed, not covered by a protective structure or involucre.

Etymology

From Greek gymnos (naked) + karpos (fruit) + -ic (relating to). The term describes fruits that develop without external protective coverings.

Kelly Says

Plants use the same 'naked vs. clothed' strategy that humans do—some fruits are wrapped up tight for protection, while 'gymnocarpic' fruits basically go out exposed to the world!

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