Question

The edible part in the fruit of litchi is

• A. Mesocarp
• B. Aril
• C. Fleshy thalamus
• D. Cotyledons

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Aril

The correct option is B.

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Aril is the white, translucent, fleshy edible part of the litchi fruit which develops from the funiculus, the stalk at the base of the ovule.
2. It surrounds the seed of the litchi.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The litchi fruit has three parts namely, the pericarp, aril, and the seed.
2. The pericarp is brittle, spiny, hard, and hence, inedible.
3. It consists of three layers: the outer epicarp, the mesocarp which is fused with the epicarp, and the endocarp.

Option C:

1. The thalamus is a part of the flower and is not involved in the formation of the fruit.
2. Fleshy thalamus is found in apples.

Option D:

Cotyledon is a part of the seed which is not edible.

Final answer: The edible part in the fruit of litchi is aril.