Question

Read the following matches with reference to the fruits

Name	Type	Edible part
(i) Banana	Berry	Epicarp and mesocarp
(ii) Date palm	Berry	Pericarp
(iii) Watermelon	Drupe	Mesocarp
(iv) Plum	Drupe	Epicarp and mesocarp

• A. (ii) and (iv)
• B. (iii) and (iv)
• C. (i), (iii) and (iv)
• D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is A (ii) and (iv)

Date palm

Date palm trees bear dates which are superior berries developed from monocarpellary, unilocular superior ovaries. The fruit wall or pericarp consists of membranous epicarp and endocarp and a fleshy mesocarp. The entire pericarp is edible and only the seeds are the non-edible parts.

Plum

Plum is a drupe. Drupes are stone fruits as they have a hard and stony endocarp. The endocarp usually encloses one seed. Drupes develop from mono or multicarpellary, superior or inferior ovaries, e.g, mango, coconut, etc. In superior drupes, the epicarp forms the outer skin. In plum, both the epicarp and the fleshy mesocarp are edible.

Final answer
(b). (ii) and (iv)