Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception
The pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i> L.) attracts attention in studies for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, a recurring issue in the literature arises due to the multidisciplinary nature of these studies, leading to a mistaken repetition of basic botanical terms. The...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Foods |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/2/201 |
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| author | Pablo Melgarejo Juan José Martínez-Nicolás Dámaris Núñez-Gómez María Soledad Almansa Pilar Legua |
| author_facet | Pablo Melgarejo Juan José Martínez-Nicolás Dámaris Núñez-Gómez María Soledad Almansa Pilar Legua |
| author_sort | Pablo Melgarejo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i> L.) attracts attention in studies for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, a recurring issue in the literature arises due to the multidisciplinary nature of these studies, leading to a mistaken repetition of basic botanical terms. The problem stems from the misapplication of the term “aril” to the pomegranate seed, despite the fruit being exariled, signifying the absence of an aril. This confusion may be attributed to the sarcotesta’s appearance, resembling a complete aril, coupled with a lack of awareness in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. This study specifically examines the Kingdom-variety pomegranate, due its economic importance in the fruit market. The fruits were evaluated at different developmental stages—initial, intermediate, and commercial. Magnification photography techniques were used to study the development state of the pomegranate fruits. The physiological studies confirm that the pomegranate seed constitutes the complete grain, with the juicy, sweet part surrounding it identified as the testa, not an aril. The findings underscore a persistent error in the existing literature, emphasizing the necessity for dissemination and education in future studies. A thorough grasp of pomegranate anatomy and precise use of terminology are indispensable for ensuring accuracy and rigor in scientific communication. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T09:55:27Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-fc497705cf444e26aee9962ff76a3507 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2304-8158 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T09:55:27Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Foods |
| spelling | doaj.art-fc497705cf444e26aee9962ff76a35072024-01-29T13:51:49ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582024-01-0113220110.3390/foods13020201Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ MisconceptionPablo Melgarejo0Juan José Martínez-Nicolás1Dámaris Núñez-Gómez2María Soledad Almansa3Pilar Legua4Plant Production and Microbiology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Ctra. Beniel 3.2 Km, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, SpainPlant Production and Microbiology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Ctra. Beniel 3.2 Km, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, SpainPlant Production and Microbiology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Ctra. Beniel 3.2 Km, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, SpainPlant Biology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Ctra. Beniel 3.2 Km, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, SpainPlant Production and Microbiology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Ctra. Beniel 3.2 Km, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, SpainThe pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i> L.) attracts attention in studies for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, a recurring issue in the literature arises due to the multidisciplinary nature of these studies, leading to a mistaken repetition of basic botanical terms. The problem stems from the misapplication of the term “aril” to the pomegranate seed, despite the fruit being exariled, signifying the absence of an aril. This confusion may be attributed to the sarcotesta’s appearance, resembling a complete aril, coupled with a lack of awareness in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. This study specifically examines the Kingdom-variety pomegranate, due its economic importance in the fruit market. The fruits were evaluated at different developmental stages—initial, intermediate, and commercial. Magnification photography techniques were used to study the development state of the pomegranate fruits. The physiological studies confirm that the pomegranate seed constitutes the complete grain, with the juicy, sweet part surrounding it identified as the testa, not an aril. The findings underscore a persistent error in the existing literature, emphasizing the necessity for dissemination and education in future studies. A thorough grasp of pomegranate anatomy and precise use of terminology are indispensable for ensuring accuracy and rigor in scientific communication.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/2/201<i>Punica granatum</i> L.exariledbotanical definitionsexternal testapomegranate seedpomegranate aril |
| spellingShingle | Pablo Melgarejo Juan José Martínez-Nicolás Dámaris Núñez-Gómez María Soledad Almansa Pilar Legua Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception Foods <i>Punica granatum</i> L. exariled botanical definitions external testa pomegranate seed pomegranate aril |
| title | Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception |
| title_full | Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception |
| title_fullStr | Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception |
| title_full_unstemmed | Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception |
| title_short | Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the ‘Aril’ Misconception |
| title_sort | accurate botanical nomenclature pomegranate and the aril misconception |
| topic | <i>Punica granatum</i> L. exariled botanical definitions external testa pomegranate seed pomegranate aril |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/2/201 |
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