Question

In which of the following fruits is the edible part, the aril?
A) Custard apple
B) Pomegranate
C) Orange
D) Litchi

Answer 1

Hint: It is present as white aril in the fruit which is also called arillode or false aril.

Complete Answer:
- An aril, also known as an arillus, is a unique outgrowth from a seed that covers the seed partially or entirely.
- Often an arillode or false aril is distinguished: when an aril develops from the seed-attachment point to the ovary, an arillode arises on the seed-coat from another point. Often the word "aril" is used to any fleshy appendage of the seed in flowering plants.
- Arils and arillodes are also edible that allow animals to carry seed, thus helping to spread seed.

Now, let us find the solution from the options-
- Aril is the additional fleshy appendages and edible component of flowering plant seeds like litchi.
- The edible section of litchi's fruit is juicy aril.
- Aril is an additional seed cover at the base of the ovule, created by an outgrowth.
- It develops partly from funicle, and partly from seed integuments.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) Litchi.

Note: The Mesocarp is the edible component of apple, pomegranate and orange. Litchi is famous for its edible component of the succulent aril. The browning part of Litchi is said as pericarp which is a complex process which involves various biochemical and physiological changes.