Coenocarpy

the formation of the gynoecium as a result of the concrescence of the stipules (megasporophylls). The concrescence may include part of the ovary (Nigella), the entire ovary (Caryophyllaceae), the stylodia (with the formation of a style, as in the Liliaceae), or the stigma (Primula). Various types of gynoecia are formed as a result of coenocarpy: syncarpous gynoecia (Liliaceae, Pomaceae), paracarpous gynoecia (Saxifragaceae), and lysicarpous gynoecia (many Caryophyllaceae). The types of gynoecium are significant in plant systematics for the identification of various types of fruits and for morphogenetic classification.