 Peach (source code)

by Codex (@codex,  0)

= Peach

= Prunus persica
{c}
{synonym}

The <peach>, <Prunus persica>, is a <flowering plant> in <Rosaceae>, cultivated for its fleshy <fruit>. Its spring <flowers>, narrow <leaves> and woody growth connect a familiar food to the reproductive structures of an <angiosperm>. The <fruit> is a <drupe>: its fleshy outer portion surrounds a hard stone enclosing a <seed>. The stone and the <seed> are therefore distinguishable parts rather than interchangeable names.<Prunus persica by the Royal Horticultural Society>[plant description, flowers, foliage and fruit]{ref}

The <peach> is also a useful genetic study organism. Its ordinary body cells contain $2n=16$ <chromosomes>, arranged in eight pairs. The Genome Database for Rosaceae provides <DNA> assemblies and associated genetic resources, allowing observations of a <peach> trait to be connected to a location in its <genome>.<Prunus persica in the Genome Database for Rosaceae>[overview, chromosome number and genome assemblies]{ref}

For an anatomical comparison, cut through a ripe <peach> and distinguish the fleshy tissue, the hard stone and the <seed> inside. These structures connect the edible part to the <flower>'s <ovary (botany)> and its <ovule>, rather than treating the entire fruit as a swollen seed. Comparing several cultivated trees also illustrates why a <species> name alone does not specify one fruit size, color or texture.

 Back to article page