The concept of fruit in the Gramineae and its use in the taxonomy of the family

Abstract

The use of the term "fruit" in relation to the Gramineae often lacks precision and consistency. Because it is a dry, monospermic, indehiscent type of fruit and because its pericarp is adherent to the seed coat, it is often mistaken for the seed. The unit of dispersal, the spikelet and the anthoecium are sometimes misinterpreted as the fruit. The basic grass fruit is the caryopsis and its internal and external morphological features represent a great source of evidence for taxonomic use. The existing classification of the caryopsis and research needs in the field are discussed.