Difference between Aggregate Fruit and Multiple Fruit

The differentiating factor between aggregate fruits and multiple fruits is that multiple or composite fruits are a result of the gynoecium of different flowers of a cluster of flowers (inflorescence). On the other hand, the aggregate fruit is a fruit as a result of the apocarpous gynoecium from single flowers.

Aggregate Fruit

• Aggregate refers to a collection of small fruits. These fruits develop from the union of different ovaries, which are divided into a single flower
• The fruit has several tiny fruitlets which are derived from a single flower, collectively referred to as etaerio
• Not all the flowers having multiple ovaries go on to form aggregate fruits
• These fruits can also be accessory fruits wherein parts of the flower other than that of the ovary become fleshy, forming a portion of the fruit
• These fruits develop from the apocarpous ovary of flowers. They have multiple carpels which are not united, and hence results in an individual fruitlet seen on the same receptacle

Multiple Fruit

• Also referred to as collective fruits, these fruits are fruiting bodies formed from a group of fruiting flowers (inflorescence)
• Each of the flowers in the inflorescence gives rise to a fruit, however, these mature into one mass wherein flowers have given rise to a true fruit
• Some of the examples of multiple fruits are – Mulberry, Plane tree, Fig, Breadfruit

Key Difference between Aggregate Fruit and Multiple Fruit

The table below depicts the difference between Aggregate fruit and Multiple fruit.

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