Which one of the following denotes a ‘true’ fruit?

In botanical terms, a 'true' fruit is defined as a ripened ovary that develops solely from the ovary of a flower after fertilization [1]. During this process, the ovary grows rapidly and ripens, while other floral parts like petals, sepals, and stamens typically shrivel and fall off [2]. In contrast, 'false' fruits (or accessory fruits) develop when other parts of the flower, such as the thalamus, receptacle, or calyx, contribute to or form the bulk of the fruit [3]. For example, in apples and strawberries, the fleshy edible part is derived from the thalamus or receptacle rather than just the ovary [3]. Therefore, the distinguishing characteristic of a true fruit, such as a mango or tomato, is its origin exclusively from the mature ovary [1].

Sources

1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > J l) EHVlnO,f{:U,EltlT > p. 158
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.3.2 Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants > p. 121
3. [3] http://ibpgcollegepanipat.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Fruit-Types-B.Sc_.II_.pdf