What is an "accessory fruit"?

An accessory fruit is a type of fruit formed from tissues outside of the ovary in addition to the ovary itself. The ovary remains the main part of the fruit, but other parts of the flower, such as the receptacle or floral tube, may also contribute to the fruit's structure. Examples of accessory fruits include apples and strawberries. In apples, the fleshy part of the fruit develops from the receptacle tissue surrounding the ovary, while in strawberries, the fleshy part comes from the receptacle, with the tiny seeds on the surface being the actual fruits. Accessory fruits are common in various plant species and come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and flavors.