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How does the cupule of an oak differ in origin from the husk of a birch?
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Fagales
European beech (Fagus sylvatica).
In the plant order Fagales, the cupule (or hull) that surrounds the fruit is believed to have different evolutionary origins depending on the family.
- Oak (Fagaceae): In the genus Quercus, the cupule is derived from a highly modified and reduced branch system, along with its associated modified leaves or bracts.1
- Birch (Betulaceae): The husks in this family are thought to be composed of several modified bracts.1
While these structures serve a similar purpose in protecting the fruit, their developmental pathways reflect the distinct evolutionary histories of these two families within the order.1