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Seed or stone?

English
Squash seeds
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Gilles Murray)
Cucurbita pepo 'Table Gold'
  • Cucurbita pepo 'Table Gold'
  • Cucurbita moschata 'Trombocino'

What exactly is a seed?

A seed is the structure produced from a fertilized ovule. It comprises a protective coating (seed coat) that encloses an embryo and a food supply.

What is a stone?

The stone is the hard layer (hardened endocarp) around the seed of drupes (peach, plum, cherry, olive, apricot), a type of fleshy fruits. A drupe usually contains a single seed.