
etaerio [ EE-tay-ree-oh ] noun: an aggregate fruit formed from multiple ovaries in a single flower
Unlike simple fruits, which develop from a single ovary in a flower, an etaerio develops from multiple ovaries (sometimes called fruitlets) in a single flower arranged over the surface of or within the flower’s receptacle. An etaerio is also called an aggregate fruit. Fruits like achenes, samaras, follicles, berries, and drupes can be simple or aggregated, depending on the plant species.
Etaerio of achenes
an aggregate of one-seeded, dry, indehiscent fruits

Etaerio of samaras
an aggregate of winged achenes


Photo © Mary Free
Etaerio of follicles
an aggregate of dry, dehiscent, unilocular (containing a single cavity) fruits with two or more seeds formed from a single carpel

Photo © Mary Free

Photo © Elaine Mills

Photo © Christa Watters
Etaerio of berries
an aggregate of fleshy berries crowded on the receptacle

Photo by Rushikesh Tade