Fig. 2: Arrangement of the seeds in the fruit of E. elaterium.

µCT based 3D images of a medium-ripe fruit. a View on the stem sitting in the base of the fruit and b hole in the head of the fruit after virtually removing the stem. The three-paired median line in the middle of the fruit is reaching to the hole and the stem and is connected to the resistance tissue. c Seeds are arranged in six longitudinal rows and are attached with the hilum to the three-paired vascular bundles. d The vascular bundles are partly connected to the median line. The seeds reach with their round end to the median line. Fr fruit, ml median line, s seed, st stem, vb vascular bundle.