Ask Difference

Cremocarp vs. Mesocarp — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 16, 2023
The "Cremocarp" is the split fruit of plants from the Apiaceae family, while the "Mesocarp" refers to the middle layer of fruit tissue, generally the fleshy part.
Cremocarp vs. Mesocarp — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Cremocarp and Mesocarp

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

The term "Cremocarp" relates specifically to the fruit structure of plants from the Apiaceae family. This family, also known as the parsley or carrot family, produces a characteristic split fruit. When mature, the Cremocarp divides into two one-seeded segments, with each of these segments termed a mericarp. On the other hand, the "Mesocarp" is a botanical term that transcends specific plant families. It is used to describe the middle layer of the pericarp (fruit tissue) in fruits, and in many fruits, it's the part that we commonly eat.
Diving deeper into the nature of "Cremocarp," we find its relevance in the identification of species within the Apiaceae family. When botanists or plant enthusiasts examine the fruiting structures of these plants, the Cremocarp provides valuable information. In contrast, the "Mesocarp" is a term applied more broadly across many fruit-bearing plants. Whether you're looking at a peach, mango, or olive, the Mesocarp plays a role, often providing the juicy or fleshy portion of the fruit.
A fascinating feature of the "Cremocarp" is its ability to split into two mericarps upon maturation. This splitting allows for the efficient dispersal of seeds, ensuring the propagation of the plant species. However, the "Mesocarp" does not share this splitting characteristic. Its primary function lies in providing nutrition, protection, or attracting animals for seed dispersal, depending on the type of fruit.
One might argue that the significance of "Cremocarp" and "Mesocarp" lies in their implications for plant reproduction and survival. While the Cremocarp ensures the dissemination of seeds for plants in the Apiaceae family, the Mesocarp, through its appealing taste or texture, encourages animals to eat the fruit and, in doing so, helps in seed dispersal for many plants.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Split fruit of plants from the Apiaceae family.
Middle layer of fruit tissue, often the fleshy part.
ADVERTISEMENT

Associated with

Apiaceae family (e.g., parsley, carrot).
Various fruits across different families.

Function

Splits into mericarps for seed dispersal.
Provides nutrition, protection, or aids in seed dispersal.

Relevance

Identification within the Apiaceae family.
Describing the structure of many fruits.

Role in Reproduction

Efficient dispersal of seeds.
Attracting animals for seed dispersal, depending on the fruit.

Compare with Definitions

Cremocarp

Divides into two mericarps upon maturation.
Upon drying, the Cremocarp split, revealing two mericarps.

Mesocarp

Often the edible part of the fruit.
The sweet taste of the mango comes primarily from its Mesocarp.

Cremocarp

The split fruit characteristic of the Apiaceae family.
The plant displayed a mature Cremocarp, ready to disperse its seeds.

Mesocarp

Found in various fruits across different botanical families.
Whether examining a peach or a tomato, the Mesocarp plays a significant role in the fruit's structure.

Cremocarp

Essential for the propagation of species in the Apiaceae family.
The Cremocarp's design ensures the continued survival of these plant species.

Mesocarp

The middle layer of the pericarp in fruits.
In many fruits, the Mesocarp offers a delicious, juicy bite.

Cremocarp

Provides insights for plant identification within Apiaceae.
The structure of the Cremocarp confirmed its classification within the parsley family.

Mesocarp

Serves as protection or nutrition for the seeds.
The Mesocarp of the olive surrounds the pit, giving it a protective cushion.

Cremocarp

A dry fruit type that does not split open to release seeds.
Unlike some fruits, the Cremocarp remains intact, with seeds nestled inside.

Mesocarp

Can assist in seed dispersal by attracting animals.
Birds are drawn to berries due to their fleshy Mesocarp.

Cremocarp

(botany) The fruit of fennel, carrot, parsnip, etc., consisting of a pair of carpels pendent from a supporting axis.

Mesocarp

The middle, usually fleshy layer of a fruit wall.

Cremocarp

The peculiar fruit of fennel, carrot, parsnip, and the like, consisting of a pair of carpels pendent from a supporting axis.

Mesocarp

(botany) The middle layer of the pericarp of a fruit. In many fruits such as drupes and tomatoes, the mesocarp is fleshy

Mesocarp

The middle layer of a pericarp which consists of three distinct or dissimilar layers.

Mesocarp

The middle layer of a pericarp

Common Curiosities

Why does the Cremocarp split?

The Cremocarp splits to disperse its seeds efficiently.

Is the Mesocarp always edible?

While the Mesocarp is often edible, it isn't always the case, depending on the fruit.

Which part of the fruit is the Mesocarp?

The Mesocarp is the middle layer of the fruit, often the fleshy and edible part.

Which plants produce a Cremocarp?

Plants from the Apiaceae family, like parsley and carrot, produce Cremocarps.

What is a Cremocarp?

Cremocarp is the fruit of plants from the Apiaceae family that splits into two segments upon maturation.

Does every fruit have a Mesocarp?

Most fruits have a Mesocarp, but its prominence and characteristics vary across species.

How is a Cremocarp different from a regular fruit?

A Cremocarp is specific to the Apiaceae family and splits into two mericarps upon maturation.

What is the function of the Mesocarp?

The Mesocarp provides nutrition, protection, or aids in seed dispersal, depending on the type of fruit.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Act vs. Conduct
Next Comparison
Lift vs. Raise

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms