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achene
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Close-up of a dandelion seed head (Taraxacum) with delicate white seeds, set against a background of green grass.
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achene
achene Dandelion achene, genus Taraxacum.

achene

plant anatomy
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History

achene, dry, one-seeded fruit lacking special seams that split to release the seed. The seed coat is attached to the thin, dry ovary wall (husk) by a short stalk, so that the seed is easily freed from the husk, as in buckwheat. The fruits of many plants in the buttercup family and the rose family are achenes.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.