Our botany studies have followed Shanleya to the Island of Fruits and Roses. The Rose Family contains more than 3,000 species of plants. The blossoms of true roses have five sepals and five petals plus a number of stamen and pistils. Most of the fruits we eat belong to subfamilies of the Rose Family. Rose hips, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are all fruits of the Rose Family.
by Christopher
The Plum Family includes plums, peaches, nectarines, cherries and apricots. All of the fruits in the Plum Family have a seam down the side and a hard pit within. We have an ornamental plum tree in our front yard which provides food for all the fat squirrels in our neighborhood. It happened to be bloom just in time for our study last week so the children were able to see the blossoms firsthand. The fruit of the Plum Family forms on top of the flower.
Another view:
In the Apple Family, the fruit forms beneath the flowers. The five pointed star at the base of these fruits is formed by the sepals that used to be around the blossom. The Apple Family includes apples, pears and many berries. This site has some nice photos of fruits, blossoms and their foliage.
Ben's rendition of the Rose and Fruit Guardian:
Ben's drawing of the Rose Family Characteristics:
Some extra things to do:
- Make and eat fruit salad
- Try you hand at apple prints
- Dry your own fruit leather
- Have strawberry shortcake for dessert
- Visit an orchard
Have fun!
