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The 'Pericarp' is the botanical term for the tissue surrounding a seed that develops from the ovary wall of the flower. Generally the pericarp is the fruit making body. This includes many types of fruits including nuts, but does not include a few fruits like figs. In some cases, such as the acorn, the pericarp becomes dry and hard, forming a shell around the seed. In fleshy fruits the pericarp is typically made up of three distinct layers: the exocarp (the outside or the peel), the mesocarp (the middle layer), and the endocarp (the inner layer).
'Exocarp' (Gr. "outside" + "fruit"), is a botanical term for the outermost layer of the pericarp (or fruit). The epicarp, or exocarp, forms the tough outer skin of the fruit. The exocarp is sometimes called the 'epicarp'.
'Mesocarp' (Gr. "middle" + "fruit"), is a botanical term for the middle layer of the pericarp (or fruit). It is often fleshy forming the bulk of the fruit.
'Endocarp' (Gr. "inside" + "fruit"), is a botanical term for the inside layer of the pericarp (or fruit), which directly surrounds the seeds. It may be membranous or thick and hard, such as in cherries, plums, and apricots.

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See also

★ Peel (fruit)