Drupe (source code)
= Drupe
A <drupe> is a <fruit> with a differentiated <pericarp> whose innermost region, the <endocarp>, forms a hard stone around the <seed>. The outer <exocarp> and middle <mesocarp> remain distinguishable from this stone. A <peach> supplies a familiar example: skin, flesh, stone and enclosed <seed> occupy different anatomical positions.<Glossary of Botanical Terms by PlantNET>[D–E entries, drupe and endocarp; Figure 18, fruit types]{ref}
The stone is therefore part of the <fruit> wall, rather than the <seed coat>. Cracking the stone exposes the <seed> within. This distinction matters in <plant development>: the <pericarp> derives from the <ovary (botany)> wall, whereas the <seed> develops from an <ovule>. A structure's hardness alone does not identify its origin.
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