Hesperidium (Citrus fruit) — origin and structureCarl Linnaeus named an order Hesperideae (including the genus Citrus) in allusion to the “golden apples” of the Hesperides from Greek myth. A hesperidium is a modified berry that develops from a single (solitary) ovary. Typical citrus fruits contain 8–16 carpels (segments), which form the fruit’s core and house the seeds and juice.Peel (rind) anatomyCitrus fruits are distinguished by a thick rind/peel with two main layers:Exocarp (flavedo): the coloured outer layer, comprising the epicarp, hypodermis, outer mesocarp, and numerous oil glands (volatile oils). The epicarp is covered by a multilayered cuticle.Mesocarp (albedo): the white, spongy inner layer beneath the flavedo.Edible portionInside, the fleshy part is divided into carpels, each packed with countless juice-filled vesicles (modified epidermal hairs). The outer ovary wall differentiates into the spongy rind, while the inner ovary wall becomes the succulent, segmented pulp that often contains many seeds.Mythic noteThe term “hesperidium” echoes the legend of the Hesperides’ Garden, whose “golden apples” (now associated with oranges) were the prize of Heracles’ twelfth labour.

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What is Hesperidium?

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Detailed Solution

Hesperidium (Citrus fruit) — origin and structure

Carl Linnaeus named an order Hesperideae (including the genus Citrus) in allusion to the “golden apples” of the Hesperides from Greek myth. A hesperidium is a modified berry that develops from a single (solitary) ovary. Typical citrus fruits contain 8–16 carpels (segments), which form the fruit’s core and house the seeds and juice.

Peel (rind) anatomy
Citrus fruits are distinguished by a thick rind/peel with two main layers:

Exocarp (flavedo): the coloured outer layer, comprising the epicarp, hypodermis, outer mesocarp, and numerous oil glands (volatile oils). The epicarp is covered by a multilayered cuticle.
Mesocarp (albedo): the white, spongy inner layer beneath the flavedo.

Edible portion

Inside, the fleshy part is divided into carpels, each packed with countless juice-filled vesicles (modified epidermal hairs). The outer ovary wall differentiates into the spongy rind, while the inner ovary wall becomes the succulent, segmented pulp that often contains many seeds.

Mythic note

The term “hesperidium” echoes the legend of the Hesperides’ Garden, whose “golden apples” (now associated with oranges) were the prize of Heracles’ twelfth labour.

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