title: Comparative anatomical and developmental analysis of dry and fleshy fruits of Solanaceae.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An anatomical examination of dry and fleshy fruits within the Solanaceae was carried out to identify comparable stages throughout development as well as features exclusive to each type of fruit. We studied fruit development of Nicotiana and Petunia, which have the plesiomorphic capsular fruit; Solanum and Iochroma, characterized by a derived fleshy berry; Cestrum, an independent origin of a fleshy fruit; and Datura, a reversion to a dry fruit. •
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre- and postanthesis carpels and fruits of all species were collected, sectioned, stained, and examined using light microscopy. •
  
  
  RESULTS
  Comparable stages of carpel and fruit development were identified in all species. Furthermore, anatomical and developmental features were identified that characterize capsules in Solanaceae, including lack of increase in the number of pericarp cell layers, formation of a sclerified endocarp, and elongation of the epidermal cells of the placenta. Pericarps of fleshy fruits of the Solanoideae are characterized by abundant collenchyma, an increase in the number of cell layers, and a parenchymatous endocarp often expanding into the locules. Anatomical data show that early developmental stages of the fruit of Cestrum, a berry, are similar to the capsular fruits of Petunia and Nicotiana; similarly, Datura, one of the few capsular members of the Solanoideae, shares several anatomical features with closely related berried taxa. •
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ontogenetically, all fleshy or all dry fruits do not necessarily share a common developmental ground plan. Independent evolution of fleshiness, sclerification, dryness, and dehiscence are discussed in a phylogenetic context.
authors.affiliation: The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York 10458 USA.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pabón-Mora
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Litt
mesh_terms: D019657:Solanaceae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*