pericarp

The pericarp is the ripened wall of a plant's ovary, which encloses the seed. It is a crucial part of a fruit's anatomy and is typically divided into three layers: the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp.123

• Exocarp: This is the outermost layer, commonly known as the skin, rind, or peel of the fruit.2
• Mesocarp: The middle layer, which is often the fleshy and edible part of the fruit, like the pulp of a grape or peach.2
• Endocarp: The innermost layer, which surrounds and protects the seed. This can vary greatly in texture, forming the core of an apple, the stone of a peach, or the pit of a cherry.2

These layers can be fleshy or dry, and their specific characteristics define the type of fruit.3