Achene vs. Cypsela — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Achene is a simple, dry, and one-seeded fruit that does not open at maturity, typical of sunflowers, whereas cypsela, often confused with achene, is a specialized form that includes a calyx modified into a pappus.
Difference Between Achene and Cypsela
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An achene is characterized by a single seed that is loosely attached to its pericarp, allowing it to be easily separated from the fruit wall. Whereas a cypsela appears similar but features an adherent pericarp that is fused with the seed, making them inseparable.
In achenes, the fruit wall is typically very thin and dry at maturity, exemplified by the seeds of a buttercup. On the other hand, cypselas often develop from an inferior ovary and include additional structures such as a pappus, which aids in seed dispersal, as seen in dandelions.
Achenes generally rely on mechanisms like wind or animal movement for dispersal due to their lightweight and sometimes winged structures. Cypselas, however, often feature a pappus that acts like a parachute, enhancing wind dispersal over potentially longer distances.
Common examples of plants producing achenes include strawberries and buckwheat, where the actual fruits are small and often unnoticed. Whereas plants producing cypselas, such as thistles and dandelions, prominently display these fruits atop their floral structures to catch the wind or attract animals.
Comparison Chart
Seed Connection
Loosely attached to pericarp
Fused with pericarp
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Pappus
Absent
Present (modified calyx)
Dispersal Mechanism
Wind, animals
Primarily wind (via pappus)
Typical Examples
Sunflowers, strawberries
Dandelions, thistles
Compare with Definitions
Achene
Typically produced by many flowering plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family.
Achenes are common in the floral arrangements of plants like daisies.
Cypsela
Characterized by having a calyx modified into a pappus.
The fluffy appearance of a mature cypsela is due to its pappus.
Achene
A small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not open on maturity.
The achene of a sunflower detaches easily from its flower head.
Cypsela
Primarily dispersed by wind, leveraging the pappus as a parachute.
Cypselas can travel long distances due to their efficient pappus.
Achene
Does not have specialized structures for dispersal.
Achenes rely on external factors like wind to spread their seeds.
Cypsela
A type of fruit typical to the Asteraceae family that resembles an achene but has an attached pappus.
The cypsela of a dandelion uses its pappus to float on the breeze.
Achene
A fruit where the seed is only loosely attached to its shell.
Each strawberry's surface is dotted with tiny achenes.
Cypsela
Often found in plants like thistles and dandelions.
Cypselas ensure successful seed dispersal for dandelions across vast areas.
Achene
Frequently misidentified as seeds themselves.
In buckwheat, what are often called seeds are technically achenes.
Cypsela
A one-seeded, one-celled, indehiscent fruit; an achene with the calyx tube adherent.
Achene
An achene (; Greek ἀ, a, privative + χαίνειν, chainein, to gape; also sometimes called akene and occasionally achenium or achenocarp) is a type of simple dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. Achenes are monocarpellate (formed from one carpel) and indehiscent (they do not open at maturity).
Achene
A small, dry, indehiscent one-seeded fruit with a thin wall, as in a sunflower.
Achene
(botany) A small, dry, indehiscent fruit, containing a single seed, as in the buttercup.
Achene
A small, dry, indehiscent fruit, containing a single seed, as in the buttercup; - called a naked seed by the earlier botanists.
Achene
Small dry indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall
Common Curiosities
What is an achene?
Achene is a small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not open at maturity, loosely containing the seed within its shell.
Can achenes be found in fruits other than flowers?
Yes, achenes are also present in fruits like strawberries, where they are the tiny seeds on the fruit's exterior.
What is the significance of the pappus in cypselas?
The pappus significantly enhances the dispersal efficiency of cypselas by utilizing wind.
How are achenes dispersed?
Achenes are typically dispersed by wind or animals, relying on their lightweight or external structures.
How do the structures of achenes and cypselas compare?
Achenes have a simple structure with a loose seed connection, whereas cypselas include a pappus and fused seed-pericarp structure.
How do achenes and cypselas support plant reproduction?
Both achenes and cypselas facilitate the dispersal of seeds, crucial for the reproduction and spread of their respective plant species.
Are all cypselas equipped with a pappus?
While most cypselas have a pappus, there can be variations within certain species in the Asteraceae family.
Why do cypselas have a pappus?
The pappus helps in wind dispersal, acting as a parachute to carry the seed over long distances.
Are cypselas unique to any plant family?
Cypselas are characteristic of the Asteraceae family, commonly found in dandelions and thistles.
What plants typically produce achenes?
Many plants in the Asteraceae family, such as sunflowers and daisies, produce achenes.
What is the evolutionary advantage of a cypsela's structure?
The structure of a cypsela, particularly its pappus, offers an evolutionary advantage in dispersal capabilities over greater distances.
Can achenes be considered true seeds?
Achenes are fruits containing seeds, so they are not seeds themselves but rather the fruit encapsulating a seed.
Which is more common, achenes or cypselas?
Achenes are more widely found across various plant families, whereas cypselas are specific to the Asteraceae family.
What are typical examples of each fruit type?
Typical examples of achenes include sunflowers and strawberries, while dandelions and thistles are common for cypselas.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
