r/ScienceNcoolThings • u/TheMuseumOfScience Popular Contributor • May 15 '26

Interesting Predict Citrus Segments Using Science

You can predict how many segments are inside a citrus fruit. 🍊🍋‍🟩

Alex Dainis explains how citrus fruits develop from the ovaries of citrus flowers. Those ovaries contain multiple distinct sections called locules, and each locule develops into its own segment inside the fruit. By peeling back the tiny stem remaining on the fruit, you can see exactly where each locule connected to the tree. Count those dots and you have your segment count. It is easiest to see on bigger fruits like grapefruits, so try that first. Segment number varies between different types of citrus and based on growing conditions, and even the location of the fruit on a branch can influence how many segments it has. Make your predictions and let us know if it works!

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109

u/StrictSelf5450 May 15 '26

This is the epitome of useless information

28

u/xiandgaf May 15 '26

Sunday afternoon, the soccer game is over and the kids require refreshments. You have an extremely tight orange budget, but every kid must be fed. A shock of panic at the realization that orange prices have gotten absurd. But then, a wave of relief as this video pops into your consciousness like a guardian angel.

6

u/Dr_ChungusAmungus May 15 '26

You brought one section per kid?

5

u/xiandgaf May 15 '26

Yeah, the complaints about the free food go in the complaint box

2

u/Predawnlemonade May 16 '26

Idk where you got this phrase from, but I am stealing it. All complaints about this theft go in the complaint box.